But its fame goes far beyond extraordinary cakes. This is Carlo's Bake Shop, and it's been a staple in Hoboken, New Jersey, for 110 years. Customer: It's just absolutely a go-to institution.

This is a home-cook-friendly version of the recipe I adapted from my fathers old formula for an American-style vanilla cake. At home, as at Carlos Bake Shop, it will produce the same moist cake ...