Introduction
Transform everyday pantry staples into a delightful, fluffy cake that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe is your secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings without sacrificing precious time. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert desires, this cake is as easy as it is delicious.
Why This Works
This recipe prioritizes simplicity and speed without compromising flavor. The careful balance of ingredients yields a surprisingly light and moist cake, even with minimal effort. We’ve cut out unnecessary steps and complex techniques, ensuring a stress-free baking experience that delivers maximum deliciousness.
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 砂糖 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🍋 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients for even distribution in the batter.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. A simple whisk does the trick; no need for fancy mixers!
4️⃣ Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
7️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for optimal volume and emulsification.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, a similar-sized round or square pan will work. Adjust baking time as needed.
- Don’t open the oven door frequently while the cake is baking, as this can cause it to collapse.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes and add a few minutes if needed.
Crunch Factor
This recipe doesn’t focus on a crunchy texture; instead, it offers a delightfully soft and tender crumb.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- To make a quicker cleanup, line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar (adjust to taste).
Storage Tips
Store the cooled 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
Cut the cake into squares or bars and wrap them individually in cellophane or place them in pretty boxes tied with ribbons. A simple handwritten tag adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Delight: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing twist.
🌟 Spiced Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.
🌟 Berrylicious: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is dense: You might have overmixed the batter. Try mixing until just combined next time.
- Cake sank in the middle: Your oven temperature might have been too low, or you opened the oven door too frequently during baking.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best in this recipe, you can experiment with cake flour for a slightly lighter texture.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it’s best made the day before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- What kind of frosting would pair well with this cake? A simple glaze or buttercream frosting is perfect.
Conclusion
This Deliciously Light Cake is the perfect answer to your weeknight dessert cravings. Its ease, speed, and deliciousness will quickly make it a family favorite. Share your creations with us on our site! We can’t wait to see your amazing bakes!
30-Minute Delight: The Easiest Cake Ever
A simple and delicious cake that can be made in just 30 minutes of prep time, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 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 it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider folding in some chocolate chips or nuts into the batter.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.