Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, and with the right tips and steps, you can bake a perfect cake every time. Whether you are a novice or an experienced baker, this guide provides comprehensive instructions to help you bake a delicious cake.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Instructions
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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for at least 20 minutes. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as ovens can run hot or cold. Position the racks in the center of the oven.
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Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pans
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter, line the bottoms with parchment paper, butter the parchment, and dust the pans with flour. Tap out any excess flour. This ensures that your cake will release easily from the pan.
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Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients
Using a mesh sifter or a fine strainer, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.
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Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s rise.
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Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be sure to mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
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Step 7: Divide and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking a cake is a rewarding process that results in a delicious treat to share with friends and family. With these detailed steps and tips, you’re on your way to baking a perfect cake every time.
