Baking a cake is a delightful process that involves mixing, baking, and decorating. Here’s a simple guide to help you bake a basic cake from scratch.

• Ingredients:

1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4. 2 large eggs
5. 1 cup milk
6. 2 tsp baking powder
7. ¼ tsp salt
8.  1 tsp vanilla extract

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Pan:
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.

7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

9. Frosting (Optional):
Once cooled, frost the cake as desired. You can use a simple buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or any favorite frosting.

Tips:
– Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
– Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid adding too much.
– Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and airy.

In conclusion, baking a cake from scratch is a rewarding and enjoyable process that allows you to create a delicious treat for yourself and others to enjoy. By following this simple guide and using quality ingredients, you can bake a basic cake that is sure to impress.

Remember to take your time, follow each step carefully, and have fun with the decorating process. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, the end result will be a homemade cake that is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get baking, and savor the sweet rewards of your hard work!

Enjoy your homemade cake!