Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
In a bowl, mix *all-purpose flour*, *baking powder*, and a *pinch of salt*. Set this dry mix aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat together *unsalted butter* and *granulated sugar* until light and fluffy. Add the *eggs* one by one, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in *vanilla extract*.
Alternately add the flour mixture and *whole milk* to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mix. This method ensures a smooth batter.
Step 2
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3
For the frosting, beat together *cream cheese* and *unsalted butter* until smooth. Gradually add *powdered sugar*, beating until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
Stir in the *vanilla extract* and mix until well combined.
Step 4
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula to create smooth or decorative finishes as desired.
*Serve your homemade cake* with pride, knowing itβs made from scratch with simple ingredients and your own hands!
Servings
Equipment
A sturdy bowl for combining your ingredients. Choose one with enough capacity to prevent spills.
A whisk is excellent for hand mixing, but an electric mixer saves time and ensures a smoother batter.
A round or square pan works best. Ensure it's well-greased or lined to avoid sticking.
Perfect for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl without leaving any mixture behind.
Preheat it for consistent baking, and always use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Variation: π° Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!
- Vegan Variation: π± Use plant-based milk and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg). As for butter, plant-based margarine works wonders!
Faq
- Why is my cake not rising?
Make sure your baking powder or baking soda is fresh. Also, double-check that your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
- How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Properly grease the cake pan with butter or oil and line the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release.
- Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake stays fresh for 2-3 days if kept in an airtight container. You can also bake and freeze it for up to one month.
- How do I achieve a smooth and even cake top?
After pouring the batter into the pan, gently tap it on the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Rotate it halfway through the baking process for even cooking.
- What are some flavor variations for this cake?
Try adding vanilla or almond extract to the batter. For a fruity twist, incorporate lemon zest or fresh berries.
- How can I professionally decorate this cake?
Use a crumb coat to seal in loose crumbs, then apply a second layer of frosting. Top with fresh fruits or nuts for a stunning finish.