how to make a cake

Making a cake is a rewarding and simple process! Here's a basic recipe for a classic vanilla cake to get you started: ### Basic Vanilla Cake Recipe #### Ingredients: - 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar - ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup (240ml) milk - 2 large eggs - 2 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ tsp salt #### Instructions: 1. **Preheat the Oven**: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. **Prepare the Baking Pans**: - Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 4. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). 5. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**: - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. 6. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: - With the mixer on low speed, add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. 7. **Pour Batter into Pans**: - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. 8. **Bake**: - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 9. **Cool the Cakes**: - Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. 10. **Frost (Optional)**: - Once the cakes are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite frosting (like buttercream or cream cheese frosting) and decorate as desired. ### Tips: - Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. - You can add flavors or mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit. - Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Enjoy baking your cake!