Making a cake can be a fun and rewarding baking project. While there are many types of cakes with various flavors and ingredients, here's a basic recipe for a classic vanilla cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: You can add other flavorings like lemon zest, cocoa powder, or almond extract to customize the cake's taste.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Mix in the vanilla extract (or any other flavorings you're using) until incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs) in three batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Do not overmix, as it can make the cake tough.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cakes have cooled, you can frost and decorate them as you desire. A popular choice for a vanilla cake is buttercream frosting, but you can use chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or any other frosting you prefer.
Remember that this is a basic vanilla cake recipe, and you can experiment with different flavors, fillings, and frostings to create your perfect cake. Baking is also about creativity and having fun, so don't be afraid to try new things!