Easy Cake Recipe: Bake A Simple Cake From Scratch

Aug 6, 2025 by Omar Yusuf 50 views

Introduction: The Joy of Baking a Simple Cake

Hey guys! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of baking with a simple, plain cake recipe. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious cake from scratch, and it's way easier than you might think. This classic cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy it as is, slather it with your favorite frosting, or use it as a base for more elaborate desserts. In this article, we'll walk you through each step, ensuring you bake a moist, flavorful cake that will impress everyone. So, preheat your ovens and let's get started on this baking adventure!

Why Bake a Cake from Scratch? Baking a cake from scratch offers several advantages over using a store-bought mix. First and foremost, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can choose high-quality ingredients, adjust sweetness levels, and avoid unwanted additives or preservatives. The taste of a homemade cake is also far superior, offering a depth of flavor and a moistness that pre-packaged mixes simply can't match. The process of baking itself can be incredibly therapeutic. Measuring ingredients, mixing batter, and watching the cake rise in the oven can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and tap into your creativity. Baking a cake from scratch is also a fantastic way to personalize your desserts. You can experiment with different extracts, spices, and toppings to create unique flavor combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this simple cake recipe is a great starting point for your baking journey. So, grab your apron, and let’s bake something amazing!

Gathering Your Ingredients: What You'll Need

Before we start baking, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. For this classic plain cake, you'll need a few pantry staples that are easy to find. Having everything measured and ready to go will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, all-purpose flour provides structure and texture. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your taste.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cake to rise and become light and fluffy. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s still active.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the cake, balancing the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture, binding the ingredients together. Use large eggs for the best results.
Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake, adding a warm, aromatic note.

Tips for Ingredient Preparation: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smooth batter and a tender cake. To soften butter quickly, you can cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short intervals, being careful not to melt it. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it too tightly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This will ensure you have the correct amount of flour, which is crucial for the cake’s texture. Having all your ingredients prepped and measured will make the baking process much more efficient and enjoyable. Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s move on to the equipment we’ll need.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Success

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s talk about the essential equipment you'll need to bake this simple plain cake. Having the right tools not only makes the process easier but also ensures a better result. Don’t worry; you don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets. Just a few key items will do the trick. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: You'll need at least two mixing bowls – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Different sizes are helpful for various stages of the recipe.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons.
Electric Mixer: While you can mix the batter by hand, an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer) will make the process much easier and quicker. It helps to create a smooth, even batter.
Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Cake Pans: You’ll need one or two cake pans, depending on the recipe. An 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan works well for this recipe. Make sure your pans are clean and in good condition.
Parchment Paper: Lining the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove after baking.
Oven Mitts: Protect your hands from the heat with a good pair of oven mitts.
Wire Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling the cake after baking. It allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Tips for Equipment Preparation: Before you start, make sure all your equipment is clean and ready to use. Grease and flour your cake pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking. This simple step can save you a lot of frustration later on. If you’re using a stand mixer, make sure the bowl and attachments are securely in place. If you’re using a hand mixer, have it within easy reach. Having your equipment prepped and ready to go will help you stay organized and focused while baking. Now that we’ve gathered our equipment, let’s move on to the fun part – mixing the batter!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mixing the Batter

Alright, guys, now for the fun part – mixing the batter for our delicious plain cake! This is where the magic happens, and it's super important to follow the steps carefully to ensure a perfect cake. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down into easy-to-follow instructions. So, let's get started!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you put the cake in, which is crucial for even baking. While the oven is heating up, grease and flour your cake pan(s). You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. This step is a lifesaver when it comes to removing the cake later. Trust me, you don't want a cake that's stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is key here because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. This ensures that your cake rises properly and has a consistent flavor. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is super important because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender crumb. If you’re using an electric mixer, this should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. If you're doing it by hand, get ready for a bit of a workout! You'll know it's ready when the mixture looks pale and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth emulsion and prevents the batter from separating. After adding the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Then, add half of the milk and mix until combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finish with the last of the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.

Step 6: Final Mix and Pour into Pan

Give the batter one final mix to ensure everything is evenly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure there are no pockets of unmixed ingredients. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan(s), spreading it evenly. Now, it's time to bake!

Baking to Perfection: Oven Time and Temperature

Okay, guys, we've mixed our batter, and now it's time to bake our simple plain cake to perfection! This stage is crucial, and getting the oven time and temperature just right can make all the difference between a perfect cake and a not-so-perfect one. So, let's dive into the details.

Preheating is Key:

As mentioned earlier, preheating your oven is super important. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you put the cake in. This ensures even baking and prevents the cake from sinking in the middle. An oven thermometer can be a great tool to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

Baking Time:

The baking time for this cake will depend on the size of your pan. If you’re using one 9-inch round cake pan, the baking time will be approximately 30-35 minutes. If you’re using two 8-inch round cake pans, the baking time will be slightly shorter, around 25-30 minutes. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your oven may vary. So, it’s important to keep a close eye on the cake.

The Toothpick Test:

The best way to check if your cake is done is the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, the cake needs more time. Bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Tips for Even Baking:

Oven Rack Placement: Place the cake pan in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. This helps the cake bake evenly and prevents it from browning too quickly on the top or bottom.
Avoid Opening the Oven Door: Try to avoid opening the oven door too often while the cake is baking. This can cause the oven temperature to fluctuate and affect the cake’s texture.
Rotating the Cake: If you notice that one side of the cake is browning faster than the other, you can rotate the cake halfway through baking. This helps ensure even browning.

What to Do if the Cake is Browning Too Quickly:

If your cake is browning too quickly on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil. Simply place a sheet of foil loosely over the cake pan. This will help to deflect the heat and prevent the top from burning.

Cooling and Removing the Cake: Gentle Does It

Alright, guys, our simple plain cake is baked to perfection, and now it's time to cool it and remove it from the pan. This step is just as important as the baking itself. Rushing the cooling process or being too rough when removing the cake can result in a cracked or broken cake. So, let's handle this with care!

Initial Cooling in the Pan:

Once you take the cake out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to handle. Placing the pan on a wire rack during this time helps with air circulation, preventing the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.

Inverting the Cake:

After the initial cooling period, it's time to invert the cake onto a wire rack. Here’s how to do it gently: Run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of the cake pan to loosen the cake. Place a wire rack over the top of the pan. Holding the rack and the pan together, carefully flip them over. The cake should release from the pan and onto the rack. If it doesn't release immediately, gently tap the bottom of the pan or run the knife around the edges again.

Cooling on the Wire Rack:

Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack before frosting or serving. This usually takes about an hour or two. Cooling the cake completely prevents the frosting from melting and helps the cake maintain its shape. Plus, a completely cooled cake is easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Easy Removal:

Parchment Paper: If you lined the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper, simply lift the cake off the rack by holding the edges of the parchment paper.
Greasing and Flouring: If you greased and floured your pan, the cake should release easily. However, if you encounter any resistance, gently run a knife around the edges again.
Patience is Key: Don’t try to remove the cake from the pan while it’s still hot. This can cause it to break apart. Let it cool properly for the best results.

Serving and Storing: Keeping it Fresh

Our delicious plain cake is baked, cooled, and ready to be enjoyed! Now, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and store it to keep it fresh and tasty. Whether you’re enjoying it plain or with a luscious frosting, these tips will help you make the most of your baking efforts.

Serving Suggestions:

Plain and Simple: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a plain cake is just as it is. A slice of this cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Its subtle sweetness and moist texture make it a delightful treat.
With Frosting: If you want to dress it up, frosting is the way to go! A classic vanilla buttercream, a rich chocolate ganache, or a tangy cream cheese frosting all complement this cake beautifully. You can even get creative with your frosting and add flavors like lemon, almond, or coffee.
Toppings and Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance. These simple additions can elevate your cake from everyday to extraordinary.
As a Dessert Base: This cake is also a fantastic base for more elaborate desserts. You can use it for trifles, parfaits, or even layer cakes. Its sturdy structure and subtle flavor make it a versatile choice.

Storing Your Cake:

Unfrosted Cake: If you’re not frosting the cake right away, you can store it at room temperature for up to two days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Frosted Cake: Frosted cakes should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake container to prevent the frosting from absorbing odors. Frosted cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing Cake: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil or place it in a freezer bag. Frozen cake can be stored for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Cake!

And there you have it, guys! You've successfully baked a simple plain cake from scratch. Isn't it rewarding? Baking your own cake gives you so much control over the ingredients and the final product. Plus, there's nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked cake filling your home. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for your baking adventures. Once you’ve mastered this plain cake, you can experiment with different flavors, frostings, and decorations to create your own signature desserts.

Remember, baking is a journey, and every cake is a learning experience. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Just keep practicing, and you'll be amazed at what you can create. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this simple cake recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, go ahead, share your delicious creation with friends and family, and enjoy the sweet taste of success! Happy baking!