Basic Cake Recipe: A Simple Guide to Baking Success
Baking a cake can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! This basic cake recipe is perfect for beginners and guarantees a delicious, moist cake every time. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring you achieve perfect results. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common ingredients, readily available at most grocery stores. Don't worry about substitutions just yet – let's master the basics first!
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: This provides the structure of your cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This is the leavening agent, making your cake rise beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift and helps neutralize acidity.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter is crucial for proper creaming.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetness and moisture for your cake.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and binds the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor; feel free to experiment with other extracts!
- 1 cup (240ml) milk: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly baked cake:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand (it will take longer). The air incorporated at this stage is key to a light and airy cake.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
5. Combine Wet & Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Frost (Optional):
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can frost it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements:
This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point for countless variations. Experiment with different extracts (almond, lemon), add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
This basic cake recipe provides a solid foundation for your baking journey. Enjoy the process, have fun experimenting, and most importantly, savor the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us – we'd love to see your masterpieces!
