Simple Cake Recipes For Beginners

Name: Simple Cake Recipes For Beginners
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Butter, Sugar & Flour

I love baking cakes, and for those just starting, simplicity is key. This collection of simple cake recipes has become my go-to for delicious treats that don’t require advanced skills or fancy equipment. Each recipe focuses on basic techniques to help beginners build confidence while baking. Whether you're making a cake for a birthday or just to enjoy with coffee, these recipes ensure you achieve tasty results with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress with some delightful cakes that anyone can make!

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:01:15.793Z

When I first started baking, I was overwhelmed by complex recipes with long ingredient lists. However, I discovered that simple cakes could taste just as incredible with just a few quality ingredients. One of my favorites is a classic vanilla sponge that always turns out light and fluffy. It's all about not overmixing the batter!

Another gem I found is adding a bit of yogurt to the mix, which enhances moisture and flavor. Trust me, once you try these straightforward techniques, you'll feel like a professional baker. Your friends and family will rave about your cakes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy-to-follow recipes that guarantee success
Versatile flavors to match every occasion
Perfect for practicing basic baking skills

Understanding the Ingredients

In this basic vanilla cake, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. All-purpose flour, the star of the recipe, provides structure while the softened unsalted butter adds moisture and richness. When creaming the butter with sugar, you incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture. This step is essential; a good rule of thumb is to cream until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer.

Eggs not only bind the ingredients together but also contribute to the cake's rise. When beaten, the eggs create a light structure that helps the cake achieve its height. I recommend using room temperature eggs for the best results, as they incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother mixture. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a delightful variation.

Baking Tips for Success

Proper baking techniques can make all the difference when crafting your cake. Be sure to preheat your oven thoroughly before placing your cake inside; this is essential for even cooking. An oven thermometer can help verify that your oven is at the correct temperature, as variations can lead to either undercooked or overly dry cakes. Once you pour your batter into the pan, gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles, ensuring a uniform texture.

Keep an eye on the baking time, but remember that every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes early; if a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked. If it’s wet, slide it back in, checking every 2 minutes until done. Also, those beautiful golden edges indicate that your cake is well on its way to perfection!

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Basic Vanilla Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Mix well until smooth and pour into a greased pan.

Instructions

Steps to Bake:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Enjoy your simple yet delicious cake!

Pro Tips

For a moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter, and make sure not to open the oven door while baking.

Frosting and Serving Suggestions

This vanilla cake is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various frostings. A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the cake beautifully. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to your frosting. If you prefer something lighter, a whipped cream topping with fresh berries can provide a refreshing contrast to the cake's sweetness.

For a fun twist, consider turning this basic vanilla cake into a layer cake. Just double the ingredients and bake two layers, stacking them with your favorite frosting in between. Alternatively, you could bake the batter in a loaf pan for a lovely vanilla bread that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you're planning to bake ahead, this vanilla cake stores wonderfully. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

If you decide to add any frosting, be mindful that cream cheesed frosted cakes should be refrigerated after a few hours at room temperature. Simply store it in a cake carrier or a covered container. For a cake without frosting, feel free to keep it on the countertop to maintain its soft texture; just be cautious of humidity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the cake recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter with oil and milk with plant-based milk for a different flavor.

→ How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

→ Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe works great for cupcakes; just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.