Name: Homemade Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups cake flour ((or 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup cornstarch)); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1.25 teaspoons salt; 1.75 cups granulated sugar; 0.75 cups unsalted butter ((softened, 1 1/2 sticks)); 2 large eggs; 1 large egg white; 1.5 cups buttermilk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter ((softened)); 4-5 cups powdered sugar; 0.25 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.25 cups rainbow sprinkles

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There’s something incredibly special about a homemade cake. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a cozy family gathering, or just a Tuesday that needs a little brightening, this Homemade Cake Recipe is your go-to solution. With a soft, fluffy texture and a delightful buttery flavor, this cake is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple enough for bakers of all levels. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on creating something truly delicious!

Why Homemade Cake Recipe is Worth Your Time

Baking a homemade cake is not just about the final product; it’s about the experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cake bakes, the joy of mixing ingredients, and the satisfaction of seeing your creation come to life are all part of the magic. Unlike store-bought cakes, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, making it a healthier and more personalized option. Plus, nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked cake made with love!

What You’ll Gather

2 1/2 cups cake flour (or 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup cornstarch)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
2 large eggs + 1 egg white
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Appliances & Accessories

Mixing Bowls: Use large bowls to accommodate all ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For achieving the perfect batter consistency.
Baking Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans work perfectly.
Spatula: For folding in ingredients gently.
Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling your cakes evenly.

Mastering Homemade Cake Recipe: How-To

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Pans

Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. For extra assurance, line the bottoms with parchment paper and grease the paper as well.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the two large eggs and the egg white to the butter-sugar mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Begin by adding half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Then, pour in the buttermilk and mix until combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Frosting (Optional)

While your cakes cool, you can prepare the funfetti frosting (recipe below) or any frosting of your choice.

Funfetti Frosting Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4-5 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Frosting Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Finally, fold in the rainbow sprinkles for that funfetti touch!

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

Warm Weather: Serve the cake chilled with a scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful dessert.
Cool Weather: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.

Steer Clear of These

When making your Homemade Cake Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results:

Overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
Using cold ingredients; always bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature.
Not measuring flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level off.
Skipping the cooling step; frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your Homemade Cake Recipe fresh and delicious:

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reader Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the cake flour for a gluten-free version of this cake. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?

To transform the Homemade Cake Recipe into a chocolate cake, simply replace 1 cup of flour with cocoa powder. Adjust the sugar if desired to balance the flavors.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain freshness. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best results.

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Bring It to the Table

Now that you’ve mastered this Homemade Cake Recipe, it’s time to bring it to the table. Whether you serve it at a celebration or as a sweet indulgence for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your baking success with friends and family. Happy baking!