Simple Cake Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Baking Deliciousness
Are you craving a delicious homemade cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This simple cake recipe is perfect for beginners and guarantees a moist, fluffy cake every time. No fancy equipment or years of baking experience needed! Let's get started on this easy cake recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it incredibly convenient. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This is our leavening agent, giving the cake its rise.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift for a lighter texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter is crucial for proper mixing.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely flavor.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk: Keeps the cake moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This simple cake recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making baking a breeze.
1. Preheat and Prepare:
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 the leavening agents.
3. Wet Ingredients:
In a separate 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 with some elbow grease. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
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 Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
This simple cake recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Try these variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate cake.
- Use different extracts: Experiment with almond, lemon, or orange extract for a unique flavor.
- Add fruits: Fold in fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
This simple cake recipe is a great starting point for your baking journey. With its ease and delicious results, you'll be baking cakes like a pro in no time! Enjoy!
