Are you craving a delicious, homemade cake but short on time and baking skills? Then look no further! This 1 2 3 4 cake recipe is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a simple yet scrumptious dessert. It's incredibly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, making it ideal for beginners and busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this foolproof recipe – the perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals!
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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4 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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Frosting of your choice (see variations below!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be achieved with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy whisk.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Vanilla Boost: Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it Cool Completely: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate 1 2 3 4 Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon 1 2 3 4 Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter. A lemon glaze would be delicious on top!
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the frosting used. The basic cake itself is relatively low in fat, and a single serving will contain roughly 300-350 calories. This makes it a surprisingly healthy treat when compared to other cakes. Always double check nutritional values based on your specific ingredients and frosting choice.
This simple recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, delicious dishes, and best recipes that won't take all day to prepare. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking and is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!