Introduction
Every home baker needs a go-to cake recipe that’s simple, reliable, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. This basic cake is light, tender, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or just as a base for more elaborate creations. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s almost impossible to mess up.
Why This Recipe Always Works
This cake uses a balanced ratio of flour, fat, sugar, and eggs — the key to consistent texture and flavor. The method incorporates just enough air for lightness without risking collapse, and the bake time is forgiving, so even beginners can achieve a great result.
Ingredients (for one 9-inch round cake)
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Variations
- Lemon Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and replace 2 tbsp of milk with lemon juice.
- Chocolate Cake: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and add an extra 2 tbsp of milk.
- Fruit Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries or diced fruit at the end.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the crumb soft.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off — never scoop directly from the bag.
Practical Example: Vanilla Sponge with Powdered Sugar Topping
For a quick, no-fuss treat, make the basic vanilla sponge, let it cool completely, then dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Serve with tea or coffee for a light, elegant dessert that looks beautiful without any frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with ¼ cup (60g) of unsweetened applesauce or use a commercial egg replacer according to the package instructions. The texture will be slightly denser but still moist.
Q2: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in two 9-inch pans, or in a larger rectangular pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Q3: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these.
Q4: How should I store this cake?
Once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I make cupcakes with this batter?
Yes. Divide the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q6: How do I make the cake extra moist?
Use whole milk, avoid overbaking, and consider brushing the cooled layers with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled together) before frosting.
Q7: Can I frost the cake while it’s still warm?
No. Always wait until the cake has cooled completely, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Q8: What frosting pairs best with this basic cake?
It’s very versatile — buttercream, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, ganache, or even just powdered sugar all work beautifully.
Conclusion
This basic simple cake recipe is a must-have in any baker’s collection. It’s easy, dependable, and adaptable — perfect whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker looking for a quick base. Once you master it, you can build on it to create countless variations. From birthday celebrations to casual afternoon snacks, this cake offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture every time. Its versatility means you can pair it with almost any frosting, filling, or topping, making it your go-to choice for both everyday baking and special occasions.