Creating a cake can bring joy and satisfaction to anyone, whether you are a novice or a skilled baker. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making a scrumptious cake from scratch.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need to make a basic vanilla cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup yogurt
Preparation
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start preparing them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a cake pan with cooking spray or butter.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This will ensure that they are evenly distributed and any lumps are removed.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, milk, vegetable oil, and yogurt. This will create a smooth and even mixture.
Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Baking
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cooling and Decorating
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can decorate the cake with frosting or toppings of your choice.
Frosting Options
- Buttercream Frosting: Mix together softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract for flavor if desired.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Ganache: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Once melted, add heavy cream and stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before pouring over the cake.
Conclusion
Making a cake from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious vanilla cake that is perfect for any occasion. Remember to gather all the necessary ingredients, prepare them properly, and follow the recipe instructions carefully. With practice, you will become a skilled baker in no time!