A cake is a type of baked dessert that is typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil. Cakes can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as vanilla, chocolate, fruit, nuts, and spices. They can be frosted with a variety of icings and toppings, such as buttercream, cream cheese, and fruit.
Cakes are often served at special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. They are also a popular dessert at holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
There are many different types of cakes, including layer cakes, sheet cakes, cupcakes, and bundt cakes. Layer cakes are made with multiple layers of cake batter that are stacked on top of each other and frosted in between the layers. Sheet cakes are baked in a large, flat pan and are typically cut into squares or rectangles. Cupcakes are small, individual-sized cakes that are baked in a muffin tin. Bundt cakes are baked in a special bundt pan that creates a distinctive ring shape.
To make a cake, you will need a few basic ingredients and some kitchen tools. You will need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and milk. You will also need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a measuring cup and spoon, a cake pan, and an oven.
Here is a simple recipe for a vanilla layer cake:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together until they are well-combined.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using your whisk. As you mix, slowly add in the milk, continuing to whisk until the batter is smooth and free of any lumps.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once the cakes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edge of the pans to loosen the cakes and turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the butter in a mixing bowl until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until it is well-combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. Slowly add the milk, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, use a knife or offset spatula to spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the other cake on top of the frosted cake and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
And that's it! With this simple recipe, you can make a delicious vanilla layer cake that is sure to impress.