To make a basic cake, here is a general step-by-step method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, sift together dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and a wet ingredient such as milk or buttermilk into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool before removing from the pans and apply frosting or decoration as desired.
This method produces a soft, moist vanilla cake that can be frosted with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or any preferred frosting.
