Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ever wished you could whip up a delicious cake without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe is your answer! We’re transforming everyday ingredients into a wonderfully light and fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion – or just because you deserve a treat! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy dessert.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s all about balance. We use a simple combination of ingredients that complement each other perfectly, resulting in a cake that’s moist, tender, and not too sweet. It’s also incredibly forgiving – even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and practically foolproof! Plus, it’s adaptable to your taste preferences – we’ll explore some fun variations later on!
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 4 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🍋 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal later.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer will be your best friend! Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, which makes the cake light and airy.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are key! Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early. Ovens vary, so it’s always best to start checking a little before the recommended baking time.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. If your oven tends to run hot, you might need to reduce the temperature slightly or check for doneness a few minutes earlier. Conversely, if your oven runs cool, you might need to bake for a few more minutes.
Crunch Factor
This cake is delightfully soft and tender, not crunchy at all. The focus is on a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright citrusy twist.
- Use buttermilk instead of milk for an even more tender crumb.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake makes a lovely gift! Present it in a pretty cake box tied with a ribbon, or wrap individual slices in cellophane with a festive tag.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Delight: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter.
🌟 Spiced Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Coconut Cream: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes early.
- Cake is gummy: You may have underbaked it. Next time, bake for a few more minutes and check with a skewer.
- Cake sunk in the middle: You may have opened the oven door too early during baking, or the leavening agents may have been old.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour is best for this recipe, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! Bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and surprisingly easy cake recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! We hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) this light and fluffy treat. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media – we’d love to see your baking masterpieces! Happy baking!
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Cake
A light and refreshing lemon cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.