How to Make the Perfect Cake: A Simple Guide for Beginners

There's something undeniably magical about a freshly baked cake. The smell wafting through the house, the fluffy texture, and the satisfying moment when you slice into it—it's the stuff of comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, making a cake can be a delightful and rewarding experience. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple recipe that’s foolproof, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• 200g caster sugar

• 200g unsalted butter, softened

• 200g self-raising flour

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp milk (optional, for a softer texture)

For the icing:

• 200g icing sugar

• 100g unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp milk or cream (for a smoother icing)

Equipment:

• 2 x 8-inch round cake tins (or 1 large tin)

• Electric mixer (or a whisk, if you're feeling brave)

• Cooling rack

• Spatula

• Mixing bowls

Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: The first step in any baking endeavour is preheating the oven. Set it to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F. It’s always best to get this started early, so the oven is nice and hot when your cake batter is ready.

2. Prepare the Cake Tins: Grease and line your cake tins with butter and parchment paper, or you can use a non-stick baking spray if you have it. This will help your cakes come out cleanly once baked.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and caster sugar using an electric mixer (or a hand whisk if you prefer a workout). Continue until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in colour. This is known as "creaming" and is the key to a light cake.

4. Add the Eggs: Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If you find the mixture starts to curdle, you can add a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.

5. Fold in the Flour: Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Gently fold it into the wet ingredients using a spatula or a large spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you just want to combine everything without losing all the air you've worked so hard to beat into the butter and sugar.

6. Add the Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely, aromatic flavour. If the batter feels a bit thick, add 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it up and get a smoother consistency.

7. Pour the Batter into the Tins: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula so they bake evenly.

8. Bake: Pop the tins into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. You can test if they're done by inserting a skewer or a knife into the centre of the cake; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.

9. Cool Down: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Prepare the Icing: While your cakes are cooling, whip up the icing. Beat the butter and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk or cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.

11. Assemble the Cake: Once your cakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of icing on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and ice the top and sides to your heart’s content. You can add a few decorative touches like sprinkles, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of cocoa powder to make it extra special.

Tips for a Perfect Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more easily, preventing a lumpy batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix gently to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make your cake dense.

• Testing for Doneness: As ovens can vary, it's always good to check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. You’ll know it’s done when it springs back when lightly pressed or when the skewer comes out clean.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! A simple, yet delicious homemade cake that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends. Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different flavours and fillings. Try adding a bit of lemon zest for a zesty twist or even a handful of chocolate chips for an indulgent treat. Happy baking!

Let us know how it goes if you try it, or if you’ve got any tweaks you’d like to make. Cakes are a bit like art—you can always make them your own!