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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake the cake evenly and to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour for a light, airy cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender, well-textured cake.
- If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a whisk and some elbow grease, just make sure the butter and sugar are thoroughly combined and airy.
4. Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter and give the cake its soft texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, and if you’re using zest (lemon or orange), add it now. Zest can add a lovely brightness to the cake’s flavor, but it’s totally optional.
5. Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk. Start by adding half of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, and continue alternating until all ingredients are incorporated. Mix on low speed until just combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
6. Add the Oil
- Finally, mix in the vegetable oil. This will give the cake an extra dose of moisture and help keep it tender.
7. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The cake should also spring back when lightly pressed.
8. Cool the Cake
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cake on a rack helps it maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.
9. Frost and Decorate (Optional)
- Once the cake has completely cooled, you can frost it with your favorite frosting. This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream.
- For added decoration, consider topping the cake with fresh fruit, sprinkles, or edible flowers. You can also fill the center with jam, fruit curd, or whipped cream for a layered effect.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cake: Replace 1/3 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
- Lemon or Orange Cake: Add more zest to the batter for an even stronger citrus flavor. A glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice would complement it perfectly.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cupcakes: This recipe can easily be adapted for cupcakes. Simply fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes at the same temperature.
Why This Cake Recipe is a Keeper:
This simple cake recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. The combination of butter, oil, and eggs ensures a moist cake that’s both tender and fluffy. You can customize the flavor to suit any occasion, whether you’re serving it plain, frosting it lavishly, or enjoying it with a cup of tea.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a cake you can make in a pinch, but it’s also the type of cake that’s worthy of special celebrations. It’s reliable and adaptable, so no matter your skill level, you can bake a delicious cake that’s sure to impress.
Keep this recipe safe—it’s a true classic! Whether you’re making it for a birthday, afternoon tea, or a casual family gathering, it’s a cake that never fails to deliver on taste. Happy baking!
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