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Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking. This step is key for a smooth, flawless cake release.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This will create a solid base for your cake, ensuring even rising and a smooth texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate, large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential to ensure a light and airy cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are fully creamed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This helps to build the base flavor of your cake and contributes to its moistness.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, you’ll alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients. Start by adding about a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, and mix gently to incorporate. Continue alternating, finishing with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; simply stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Once the batter is mixed, divide it evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. It’s crucial to let the cakes cool completely before frosting or decorating to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cakes have fully cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting. Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream are all fantastic choices. You can also add a layer of fruit or jam between the cake layers for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will ensure a smoother batter and a more even texture in the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Use a Toothpick for Testing: Instead of just relying on the baking time, always check your cake with a toothpick inserted in the center to ensure it’s done. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Customize Your Cake: This cake recipe is wonderfully versatile. Add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even fresh berries to the batter for added flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This cake recipe is a true classic—simple, quick, and adaptable. The result is a light, fluffy cake that can be dressed up for a special occasion or enjoyed as a comforting everyday dessert. Whether you want to make it as a birthday cake, a holiday treat, or just something sweet to have with a cup of coffee, this recipe will always be a winner.
Best of all, this cake recipe is one that you can keep safe and return to whenever you want to create something from scratch. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are common pantry staples, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of what you need.
Make It Your Own:
Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, you can experiment with different frosting flavors, cake fillings, or toppings. Try adding a hint of lemon or almond extract for a twist, or layer the cake with your favorite frosting flavors, such as chocolate ganache, peanut butter, or even fruit preserves.
Whether you bake it plain or get creative with the decorations, this cake recipe will always be your go-to for a reliable, delicious homemade dessert.
So go ahead—keep this recipe safe! It’s a cake that will serve you well for years to come, making any occasion just a little bit sweeter.
