Description
A warm and comforting cake that’s perfect for winter evenings, easy to make, and forgiving for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) or 1 cup fresh berries
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons milk + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until combined.
- Fold in any optional add-ins gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter cake, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature. To prevent fruit from sinking, toss it in a little flour before folding into the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cake, winter dessert, beginner baking, cozy food, comfort food