simple cake from scratch recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple cake from scratch recipe

I’ve been making this simple cake from scratch recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a Tuesday. I like that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but still packs a lot of flavor.

The best part is that it’s actually quite healthy, considering it’s a dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is a great alternative to store-bought treats. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can top it with your favorite fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.

I’ve made this cake countless times, but I never get tired of it. My kids ask for it all the time, and my husband requests it on special occasions. It’s just one of those recipes that never goes out of style.

The key to making a great cake is using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This recipe is foolproof – even my kids can make it with minimal supervision! I’ve experimented with different variations over the years, but the classic recipe remains my go-to.

It’s just one of those things that never gets old.

Simple Cake from Scratch

4.7 from 1587 votes

A moist and delicious cake made from basic ingredients. Perfect for beginners, this recipe yields a classic cake with a tender crumb.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

200g butter, softened
200g caster sugar
4 large eggs
200g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Icing

150g icing sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with baking paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and light in texture.
4This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
5Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6If the mixture starts to curdle, add a small amount of flour to stabilize it.
7Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the mixture using a spatula.
8Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
9Be careful not to overmix.
10Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
13Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
14To make the icing, sift the icing sugar into a bowl.
15Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
16If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk.
17If it is too thin, add more icing sugar.
18Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.
19Allow the icing to set slightly before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9-inch round cake tin
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter. You can also add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit to the batter before baking.

Watch Video Of How Simple Cake from Scratch Works

This simple cake from scratch recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or need something special for a family gathering. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, but still packs a lot of flavor.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave until warm.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cake from Scratch

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using all-purpose flour for this recipe. It will give your cake a light and tender texture.

Q: Can I substitute the sugar with honey?

No, I wouldn’t recommend substituting the sugar with honey in this recipe. Honey has a stronger flavor than sugar and can make the cake taste bitter.

Q: How long does this cake take to bake?

This cake typically takes around 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C).

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Q: What if I want to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in this recipe.

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