How to Make a Basic Cake

Ingredients

2 cups （240g） all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup （113g） unsalted butter, softened

4 eggs, at room temperature

1 cup （240ml） milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

Mixing bowls

Hand mixer

Measuring cups and spoons

Baking sheets

Parchment paper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F （175°C）and grease two cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent.

Cream Butter and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butterwith a hand mixer on medium speed for about 30 secondsuntil creamy.

- Add sugarand vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.

- Incorporate the eggsone at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredient mixtureand milkto the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined； be careful not to overmix.

Pour into Baking Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

Bake the Cake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips

Overmixing: Be cautious not to overmix the batter, as it can make the cake tough.

Flour Sifting: Always sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

Temperature Control: Ensure the oven is properly preheated to achieve even baking.

Enjoy your homemade cake!