Description
A comforting, no-fuss cake that is easy to make, forgiving for beginners, and perfect for nostalgic cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 225 g (about 1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 225 g (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- Fresh or frozen berries (optional)
- Jam or fruit curd (optional)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Citrus zest (optional)
- Light glaze (optional)
- Toasted nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square or round pan and line the base with parchment paper.
- Soften the butter until pliable but not melted.
- Cream the butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and optional add-ins like citrus zest if using.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
- Fold in any berries, chocolate chips, or nuts if using.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve, or add a simple glaze if desired.
Notes
For added moisture, you can brush the warm cake with a simple syrup. This cake can also be adapted with various fillings and toppings to suit different tastes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: school cake, easy cake recipe, beginner baking