Cake Recipe – Keep this Recipe Safe

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan as it bakes.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step creates air bubbles that help the cake rise and gives it a tender texture.

4. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

• Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This will help emulsify the ingredients and prevent curdling.
• Stir in the vanilla extract (and any citrus zest if using). The vanilla adds a lovely aroma, and the zest imparts a refreshing flavor that enhances the overall taste.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding half of the dry mixture, then half of the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat until all the flour mixture and milk have been incorporated. This gentle mixing helps prevent overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
• Add the vegetable oil and mix until smooth. The oil ensures the cake stays moist and adds a lovely texture.

6. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
• Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Frost and Decorate (Optional)

• Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost. This cake pairs well with a variety of frostings—vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream are all excellent choices.
• For a simple yet elegant touch, you can decorate the top with fresh berries, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for the Perfect Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This allows the ingredients to mix together more easily and results in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough.
• Oven Temperatures Vary: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake after 20 minutes of baking. If you find that your cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Add Flavors: Experiment with different extracts (like almond, lemon, or coconut) or mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit) to customize the cake for any occasion.

Variations to Try:

• Chocolate Cake: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate version. You can also fold in some chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence.
• Citrus Cake: For a refreshing twist, increase the citrus zest (lemon or orange) and add a little citrus juice to the batter for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Spiced Cake: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall.
• Cupcakes: This recipe also works well for cupcakes. Simply divide the batter among a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes. Be sure to check doneness with a toothpick.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper:

This Cake Recipe is simple, adaptable, and produces a consistently delicious result. The combination of butter, oil, and eggs creates a moist and fluffy cake, while the basic ingredients ensure that it’s easy to whip up with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees a light, tender cake every time.

Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion—whether you’re frosting it for a birthday party, serving it with fresh fruit for a casual dessert, or enjoying it plain with a cup of coffee. Keep this recipe safe, and you’ll have a reliable go-to cake for years to come. Happy baking!