introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and I learned most of what I know at my mother’s side. She taught me how to turn a few simple things into a warm, memorable meal. I watched her mix, stir, and taste. I watched her smile when the family gathered around the table. Those moments shaped my love for cooking.
Simple and Delicious Recipe grew from those memories. I wrote this recipe to honor my mother and to pass on a straightforward dish anyone can make. It uses common pantry ingredients. It does not demand special tools. It gives reliable results and a comforting flavor. That mix of speed, taste, and tradition makes it special.
You will find this recipe friendly to cooks at every level. You can make it on a weeknight or for a weekend gathering. You can double it or halve it. It adapts well to small changes and still tastes great. If you like clear steps and honest flavors, this recipe will feel like home.
If you enjoy simple sweets and cozy bakes, try a related idea for a quick breakfast or snack. I often pair a warm slice with coffee in the morning. For a similar treat, see this collection of easy and fluffy pancake recipes. That guide offers quick ways to start the day with a smile.
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
You should make this recipe because it balances ease and flavor. The list uses ingredients you likely have. You do not need specialty items. You can measure, mix, and bake without fuss. The method avoids complex techniques. You can enjoy a homemade treat in under an hour.
The flavor stays mild and comforting. Butter and vanilla create a warm, familiar base. The sugar gives just enough sweetness. Milk and eggs add moistness and body. The baking powder lifts the batter into a light crumb. The result feels both simple and satisfying.
This recipe also gives room for play. You can add fruit, nuts, or spices. You can serve it plain or dress it up with a simple glaze. It fits many occasions: a quick dessert, a tea-time bite, or a small breakfast. People will like it because it tastes like care without taking all your time.
You will enjoy preparing it because the steps flow naturally. Creaming butter and sugar feels satisfying. Mixing dry and wet parts keeps the batter smooth. You can watch the oven transform the batter into a golden cake. Each step gives small wins that lead to a delicious finish.
how to make Simple and Delicious Recipe
Start by gathering all ingredients and tools. Preheat the oven so you do not wait later. Use a medium bowl for wet ingredients and a separate bowl for dry ones. Measure each item with care to keep the texture right.
Cream the butter and sugar until the mixture looks light and pale. Use a spoon, whisk, or electric mixer. Take your time here. Creaming traps air that helps the cake rise. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the milk and vanilla and stir until smooth. Do not overmix once you add flour.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk to blend evenly. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula and use short, gentle strokes. Stop mixing when the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing makes a dense texture.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Watch the oven in the final minutes so the top does not brown too much. Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting. Let it rest so the crumb sets and slices cleanly.
Key moments to watch: the creaming step, adding the eggs, and the moment you stop mixing after adding flour. Each of these affects texture. Also, test for doneness with a toothpick rather than relying on time alone. Oven temperatures vary. Trust the toothpick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
This set of ingredients creates a simple, balanced cake. Flour forms the structure. Sugar sweetens and helps with browning. Butter and milk add fat and moisture. Eggs bind the batter and give lift. Baking powder acts as the leavening agent. Vanilla adds warm aroma. The pinch of salt enhances all flavors.
If you need swaps, try these ideas. Use a neutral oil instead of butter, but reduce the milk by a few tablespoons to keep texture. Swap half the white flour for whole wheat for a nuttier taste, but the cake will feel denser. Use almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free. Replace some sugar with honey, but lower the liquid a bit. For a lighter crumb, sift the flour before measuring.
If you want to add more flavor, fold in a half cup of blueberries, chopped apples, or chocolate chips. For a citrus note, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest. Small additions change the cake without altering the main steps. For more ideas on mixing simple additions into everyday bakes, see this short guide on using versatile mixes in different dishes: creative uses for mix-ins.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Follow the directions in order for best results. Preheating ensures the batter meets the right heat immediately. Creaming the butter and sugar creates a light texture. Adding eggs one at a time helps keep the mix even. Folding the dry ingredients in gradually prevents lumps.
When you bake, avoid opening the oven in the first half of the baking time. Sudden temperature changes can make the cake sink. In the final five minutes, check the cake often. A toothpick that comes out clean means it is done. Once out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.
how to serve Simple and Delicious Recipe
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. A warm slice brings out the butter and vanilla notes. It tastes lovely with a cup of coffee or tea. For a simple dessert, dust the top with powdered sugar.
You can dress this cake for guests. Add a spoonful of whipped cream and a few berries on the side. Drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk. For a richer finish, serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd.
Think about textures on the plate. Add crunchy nuts or a crisp cookie for contrast. Use small plates for single servings and a larger platter for casual gatherings. Cut clean slices with a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for neat presentation.
If you plan a brunch, serve alongside fruit salad and savory bites. The cake pairs well with cheeses or smoked salmon on the table too. Keep portions modest, and let people help themselves to second servings if they wish.
how to store Simple and Delicious Recipe
Store the cake at room temperature for up to two days. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keeping it sealed prevents the cake from drying out and keeps it fresh.
To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to five days. Wrap slices in plastic or use a sealed container. Chill to firm the cake and make it easier to slice. Bring slices to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.
You can also freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic and then in foil. Label them and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat a slice in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds for a warm bite.
Always check for signs of spoilage before serving. If the cake smells off or shows mold, discard it. When you reheat, aim for gentle warmth rather than high heat. That preserves the texture and keeps the cake moist.
tips to make Simple and Delicious Recipe
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Cold butter or eggs make the batter uneven. Take items out of the fridge thirty minutes before you start. This small step helps the butter cream properly and the eggs blend well.
Measure flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife. Packing flour into the cup leads to dry, dense results. If you have a kitchen scale, weigh the flour for the best accuracy.
Do not overmix after adding flour. Stir just until the dry bits disappear. Overworking the batter builds gluten and makes the cake tough. Gentle folding gives a tender crumb.
Grease the baking dish well. Use a thin layer of butter or a nonstick spray. Line the dish with parchment paper if you want easier removal. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so it does not crumble.
If you want a lighter cake, gently whip the eggs before adding them. That extra air produces a softer crumb. If you add fruit, toss it in a tablespoon of flour to prevent it from sinking.
For more family-friendly, fail-proof inspiration, I often turn to a few trusted collections that keep me cooking through busy days. Check this resource where I collect ideas that save time and lift home meals: family flavor and fail-proof recipes.
variation (if any)
Add citrus for brightness. Stir in the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter. The citrus lifts the flavor and pairs well with powdered sugar or a light glaze. This version works well for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Make a chocolate twist. Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Fold in chocolate chips before baking. The batter will be deeper in color and richer in taste. Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa.
Create a fruit-studded cake. Fold in a half cup of blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples. Toss the fruit in a tablespoon of flour to keep it from sinking. Bake as directed and enjoy a moist, fruity slice.
Turn it into a loaf or muffins. Pour batter into a loaf pan for a taller shape. Or divide the batter into a muffin tin for single-serve treats. Adjust baking time: muffins may need 15–20 minutes, while a loaf may require 40–45 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Follow the recipe the same way. Watch the texture; it may feel slightly different but should bake well. Test for doneness with a toothpick. If the center seems moist, add a few extra minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can lower the sugar to 3/4 cup for a less sweet version. The cake will be slightly less browned. If you use honey or maple syrup instead, reduce the milk by a tablespoon or two to keep the batter balanced.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, bake a few more minutes. Ovens vary, so trust the toothpick test over time alone.
Conclusion
If you need quick, comforting meals, you might also enjoy collections that help on busy nights. For simple ideas when you feel tired, check this handy list of 26 dinners for when I’m too tired to cook. If you want fast, crowd-pleasing dinners, this roundup of contest-winning dinners ready in 30 minutes or less gives great options to pair with your baking.
For more recipes follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Print
Simple and Delicious Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make cake using common pantry ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
For variations, you can add fruits, nuts, or spices to customize the flavor. Serve warm with coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
