Are you ready for a taste of the South? Forget complicated baking – this Pea Pickin' Cake recipe is incredibly easy, yet delivers a burst of moist, delicious flavor that'll have everyone asking for seconds. This simple cake is a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking, proving that delicious dishes don't require hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is one you'll want to keep handy. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents for a perfectly light cake.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for best results, making this task quick and easy.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds richness and flavor to the cake batter.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, 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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Add Pecans (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped pecans, if using. This adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary!
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips for the Best Pea Pickin' Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming. This leads to a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pea Pickin' Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Lemon Pea Pickin' Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled cake.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or chocolate chips to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
This Pea Pickin' Cake is a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals (when enjoyed in moderation!). It's the perfect example of how easy recipes can be both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort!