** Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch: A Simple Guide to Baking Perfection
**Description:**Are you looking to impress family and friends with a delicious homemade cake but feel intimidated by complex recipes? Look no further! This……
**Description:**
Are you looking to impress family and friends with a delicious homemade cake but feel intimidated by complex recipes? Look no further! This Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch is designed for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that anyone can create a scrumptious cake without the hassle of intricate techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. In this guide, we will walk you through the process, from gathering your ingredients to baking and decorating your cake, all while keeping it simple and enjoyable.
### The Joy of Baking from Scratch
Baking a cake from scratch is not just about the final product; it’s about the experience and joy of creating something delicious with your own hands. When you bake from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to cater to dietary preferences and ensure the quality of what you serve. With our Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch, you’ll discover that baking is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding.
### Ingredients You Will Need
Before you start, let’s gather the ingredients. For this Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch, you will need:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
These ingredients are common household staples, making this recipe accessible to everyone. The simplicity of the ingredient list is one of the reasons why this is the Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch you’ll ever try!
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
2. **Prepare Your Baking Pan**: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and ensures a light and fluffy cake.
4. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a good rise.
5. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method helps to keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
7. **Pour and Bake**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Decorate**: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with your favorite icing or enjoy it plain.
### Tips for Success
- **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- **Don’t Overmix**: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- **Customize Your Cake**: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the batter for added flavor and texture.
### Conclusion
This Easiest Cake Recipe from Scratch is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe will not disappoint. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful experience of baking your very own cake from scratch!