Are you craving a moist, fluffy yellow cake but don't want to bake a whole layer? This recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the leftover commitment! This easy recipe delivers a delicious, single-layer cake, ideal for a personal treat, a small gathering, or even a delightful addition to your afternoon tea. It's surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking adventures. Let's get started on this simple homemade cooking project!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. This simple preparation ensures your cake releases easily.
Making the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Your Delight (Optional):
This one-layer cake is delicious on its own, but you can easily elevate it with your favorite frosting. A simple cream cheese frosting or a classic buttercream would pair wonderfully.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Add chocolate: Fold in ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate cake.
- Lemon zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Different frosting: Experiment with different frostings, like strawberry, chocolate, or caramel.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This simple recipe is perfect for satisfying your cake cravings without the fuss. Enjoy this quick dinner idea or a delicious afternoon treat. It's a truly easy and healthy meal option when you don’t want something too heavy. This best recipe delivers on taste and simplicity, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Happy baking!