How do you make a cake form scratch?

Making a Cake from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a cake from scratch is a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize flavors and textures. Here's a basic recipe and guide:

Ingredients:

* Dry Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

* Wet Ingredients:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 3 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 cup milk

* Optional:

* 1/2 cup buttermilk

* 1/4 cup oil

* 1 tablespoon lemon zest

* 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Pan:

* Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

2. Preheat the Oven:

* Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients:

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the cake.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:

* In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the cake its airy texture.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

* Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds flavor and richness.

6. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:

* Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. This ensures proper hydration of the flour, resulting in a tender crumb.

7. Mix until Just Combined:

* Mix the batter until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.

8. Add Optional Ingredients:

* Add the optional ingredients like buttermilk, oil, lemon zest, or nuts to the batter. This enhances the flavor and texture of the cake.

9. Pour Batter into Pan(s):

* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), spreading it evenly.

10. Bake:

* Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan or 25-30 minutes for two 9-inch round pans.

11. Check for Doneness:

* Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done.

12. Cool:

* Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Frost and Enjoy:

* Once cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting and enjoy!

Tips:

* Substitutions: Use buttermilk instead of milk for a tangier flavor. Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cornstarch for a more tender crumb.

* Temperature: Use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, for easier mixing.

* Overmixing: Overmixing results in a tough cake. Mix just until combined.

* Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from melting.

* Variations: Add different flavors, such as chocolate chips, fruit, or spices, to customize your cake.

Enjoy experimenting and creating your own delicious homemade cakes!