Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Yum Yum Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a delightful weeknight treat. Forget complicated baking techniques – this recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginner bakers, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
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 vegetable oil
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter and more tender cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and oil, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Baking the Cake:
- 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.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Yum Yum Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- 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 if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Yum Yum Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Yum Yum Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh berries to the batter before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300
- Fat: Around 15g
- Protein: Around 4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
This Yum Yum Cake recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying cake recipe, perfect for any occasion! Remember to share your baking experience and photos using #YumYumCake on social media!