This was my nana’s fave cake recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The creaming process is crucial for a soft, airy cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients, add half of the milk, then repeat until all of the dry ingredients and milk are incorporated. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, then place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes:
   Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting:
   While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, and continue to beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Assemble the Cake:
   Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer of cake on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. For a rustic look, you can leave the frosting slightly uneven for a homemade touch.
10. Serve:
    Slice and serve! This cake is perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also garnish it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra flair.

Why This Cake Is So Special

Nana’s cake wasn’t just about the ingredients—it was about the love she put into it. She always took her time, never rushing the process. She believed in making every step a moment to savor, whether it was creaming the butter and sugar or carefully spreading the frosting.

What made this cake even more special was the memories that came with it. Nana would often bake it when the family gathered for Sunday dinners, holidays, or birthdays. The smell of it baking would fill the house, and as soon as it was ready, we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting our slice.

There was something truly magical about the simplicity of the cake. It didn’t need elaborate decorations or fancy ingredients. Just the right balance of sweetness, texture, and love was all it took.

Tips for Perfecting Nana’s Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly and results in a lighter, fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
• Customize the Frosting: While Nana’s frosting was always vanilla, feel free to add a twist! You can swap out the vanilla for almond extract, or even add a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate frosting.
• Add a Personal Touch: If you want to add something extra, consider layering the cake with fruit preserves, like strawberry or raspberry, for an extra burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts:

There’s a reason why this cake was my Nana’s favorite: it’s simple, delicious, and full of love. The beauty of this cake lies in its timelessness—it’s a recipe that can be passed down from generation to generation, creating new memories while honoring the old. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you want to taste a little bit of family history, this cake is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most meaningful.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, take a moment to bake Nana’s favorite cake. You’ll not only be creating something delicious but also sharing in the love and memories that come with it. Enjoy!