Baking has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m sure in yours too! There’s something magical about the way the aroma of a freshly baked cake fills the kitchen and brings everyone together. This classic cake recipe is not just simple, but it’s also perfect for any celebration—birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you want to *let them eat cake*! Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get this baking party started! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a stunning cake ready to impress your friends and family in no time. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot at first; I’ve got your back!

Step-by-Step Baking Process

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking and that beautiful rise we all want!
2. While that’s warming up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with a little butter. Then, dust them with flour—this helps the cake come out easily later. No one likes a cake that sticks!
3. Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. You want this to be light and fluffy, so mix it well for about 3-5 minutes. This step is key because it introduces air into the mixture, which gives your cake that lovely texture.
4. Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This ensures they’re fully incorporated and helps with the emulsification process.
5. Now, stir in the vanilla extract. Oh, the smell of vanilla! It’s like a warm hug for your cake.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed. Trust me, you don’t want a cake with random pockets of baking powder!
7. Now, it’s time to alternate adding the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture with the milk. Start with the dry, then a splash of milk, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Repeat until all ingredients are in the bowl. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
8. Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared pans. Give them a little shake to settle the batter and ensure it’s even.
9. Pop the pans in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment of truth!
10. After baking, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial—if you frost a warm cake, the icing will melt and slide right off!

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous cake ready to be frosted and devoured. Enjoy the process and the sweet aroma filling your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s super quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those last-minute celebrations!
• With simple ingredients you probably already have at home, there’s no need for a special trip to the store.
• The flavor is absolutely delightful—sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of vanilla. Your taste buds will thank you!
• This cake is incredibly versatile—frost it with your favorite icing or serve it plain, and it’s still a showstopper.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you want to *let them eat cake*!
• It can be made a day in advance, which means less stress on the big day!
• Each slice is moist and fluffy, making it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more easily and creates that light, fluffy texture we love in cakes!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we definitely want it to be airy and soft!
• Use a Toothpick Test: When checking if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes and check again.
• Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. If they’re even slightly warm, the icing can melt and slide off. We don’t want that messy situation, right?
• Frosting Tips: If you want a beautifully smooth frosting, use a spatula or an offset knife to spread it evenly. You can also chill the cake for about 30 minutes after frosting to set the icing.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so if you find your cakes often bake too quickly or too slowly, consider using an oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven’s temperature.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a show-stopping cake that will leave everyone asking for your secret. Happy baking!

Variations

Now, let’s get creative! This classic cake recipe is like a blank canvas, just waiting for your personal touch. Here are some fun variations to try that will keep your taste buds dancing and impress your friends and family!

• Citrus Delight: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, zesty flavor that will wake up your taste buds. You can even replace some of the milk with fresh orange or lemon juice for an extra citrus kick!
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap out ½ cup of flour for cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate cake. You can also fold in chocolate chips for added decadence—because who can resist that melty goodness?
• Spiced Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor. This is especially lovely during the fall and winter months!
• Fruit-Filled Surprise: Fold in a cup of fresh berries or diced fruits like apples or peaches into the batter before baking. This adds sweetness and moisture, making every bite a delightful surprise.
• Nuts for Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Layered Magic: Bake three or four layers instead of two and fill each layer with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, or even homemade fruit preserves. This gives it that wow factor for special occasions!

Feel free to mix and match these variations or even come up with your own! The beauty of this cake is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to get a little wild and make it your own. Happy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, now that you’ve made this gorgeous cake, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to maintaining that delightful texture and flavor, so here’s how I do it.

First, if you have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), make sure to store your cake in an airtight container. This helps to keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. If you don’t have a container big enough, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Just be careful not to squish it!

Now, if you frosted the cake, I recommend placing it in the fridge. The cool temperature will help set the frosting, keeping it from becoming a melty mess. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

If you want to enjoy a slice later on, you can also freeze the cake. Let it cool completely first, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

As for reheating, if you like your cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give it that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, just like the first slice! Just be careful not to overdo it, or you could end up with a dry piece. And if you’re feeling a little extra, warm it up and add a scoop of ice cream on the side—trust me, it’s heavenly!

So there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your cake will stay delicious and ready for whenever that sweet tooth strikes!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional information for this delightful cake! While I believe that the joy of baking and sharing a cake far outweighs the numbers, it’s still good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice:

• Calories: 245
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. The beauty of this cake is that it’s all about enjoying the moment and sharing with loved ones. So, slice away and savor every bite, knowing that you’ve created something special!

FAQ Section

I’m so glad you’re diving into this cake adventure! I know you might have a few questions, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together.

Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making a day ahead of time. Just keep it stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It’ll taste just as delightful the next day, making it a stress-free option for any celebration!

What frosting goes well with this cake?
Oh, let me tell you, the frosting options are endless! A classic buttercream frosting is always a favorite, but cream cheese frosting brings a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. You could also go for whipped cream or even a rich chocolate ganache if you’re feeling indulgent. The choice is yours!

How can I make this cake gluten-free?
No worries! To make this cake gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for the best results. You can also add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture if your blend doesn’t already contain it. Enjoy your gluten-free delight!

Can I add flavors to this cake?
Definitely! You can add different extracts like almond, lemon, or even coconut to bring a new flavor profile to your cake. And don’t forget about spices! A little cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm touch that’s simply lovely.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no! A sinking cake can happen for a few reasons, like overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too soon. To prevent this, make sure to mix just until combined and keep the oven door closed while it’s baking. If it does sink, you can always cover it with frosting to hide the imperfections!

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I love sharing the joy of baking with you, and I’m here to help you create the best version of this classic cake!

Let them eat cake: 7 Secrets to Baking Perfection

---

• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
• Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Vegetarisch

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

A classic cake recipe perfect for celebrations.

---

Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs

---

Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• Frost with your favorite icing.
• Can be made a day in advance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
• Kategorie: Dessert
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: American

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 slice
• Kalorien: 245
• Zucker: 18g
• Natrium: 150mg
• Fett: 10g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 35g
• Faser: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterin: 70mg

Keywords: let them eat cake, cake recipe, dessert