Baking a cake at home can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it fill your kitchen with delightful aromas, but it also allows you to customize flavors to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy cake recipe will guide you step by step to a delicious homemade treat. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a soft, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the preparation steps, gather the following ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp of baking powder
- ¼ tsp of salt
- Optional: powdered sugar or frosting for decoration
Tools Needed
You’ll also need a few kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake tin (9-inch round or square)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Baking Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures that the cake bakes evenly and gets a nice rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Tin
Grease your cake tin with butter or a non-stick spray. For easy removal of the cake after baking, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper. Dust lightly with flour if desired to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to a soft cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamy, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and slightly fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly and ensures that there are no lumps in the batter.
Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the flour mixture, mix until just combined, and then add half of the milk. Repeat this process, ending with the last third of the flour. Avoid overmixing as it can lead to a dense cake.
Step 7: Pour into the Cake Tin
Once your batter is smooth and lump-free, pour it into the prepared cake tin. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the tin.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Decorating Your Cake
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time to decorate! Here are a few simple ideas:
- Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Frosting: Spread your favorite frosting (like vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache) over the top and sides of the cake. You can also add some sprinkles or chocolate shavings for extra flair.
- Fresh Fruit: Top the cake with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a fruity, refreshing touch.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps the ingredients to blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: If your cake browns too quickly but isn’t fully cooked, you might want to check your oven temperature. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Test for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake for doneness at the 35-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. If it’s slightly crumbly or clean, it’s ready to go!
- Cooling is Key: Allowing your cake to cool properly prevents it from falling apart when you remove it from the tin. If you plan to frost it, make sure the cake is completely cool before applying any frosting to avoid melting.
FAQs
How can I make a vegan version of this cake?
To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative like flaxseed or chia seed (mix 1 tablespoon of ground seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). You can also replace the butter with a vegan butter or margarine and use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure the mix contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cake holds together.
What type of frosting pairs best with this cake?
A classic buttercream frosting or chocolate ganache works wonderfully with this vanilla cake. For a lighter option, you could try a whipped cream frosting or a lemon glaze.
How do I store the cake after baking?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added frosting, you may want to refrigerate it to keep the frosting from spoiling, especially in warmer climates.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for additional flavor. For a fruity twist, try folding in some fresh berries or chopped nuts.
Conclusion
Baking a cake at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, this easy homemade cake recipe can be whipped up in just 60 minutes from start to finish. Whether you choose to decorate it with powdered sugar, frosting, or fresh fruit, this versatile cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So, grab your ingredients and start baking today!
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