how to make cake

 Making a cake can be a delightful and rewarding experience! Here’s a simple guide to help you bake a classic vanilla cake from scratch. This recipe is perfect for beginners and can be customized with different flavors or toppings as you become more comfortable with baking.

Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Frosting (Optional):

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the Cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Frost the Cake (Optional):

   • To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add milk and vanilla extract and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
   • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like lemon zest, cocoa powder, or even a splash of liqueur to the batter. You can also decorate with fresh fruit, sprinkles, or edible flowers to make it look as good as it tastes. Happy baking!