Baking a cake from scratch can seem like a daunting task, especially for beginners in the kitchen. The thought of measuring ingredients, mixing them together, and waiting for the cake to bake perfectly can be intimidating. However, with the right recipes and some basic baking tips, anyone can create delicious homemade cakes that will impress friends and family. In this article, we will explore some beginner-friendly cake recipes that you can make from scratch. These recipes are simple, yet yield delightful results that will have you coming back to the kitchen for more.
The Joy of Baking from Scratch
Baking a cake from scratch is a rewarding experience. There’s a certain joy in knowing that you’ve created something delicious with your own two hands. When you bake from scratch, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the cake to your preferences. Plus, the aroma of a cake baking in the oven is simply irresistible.
Essential Baking Tips for Beginners
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over some essential baking tips that will help ensure your cakes turn out perfectly:
Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Always read the entire recipe before you start. This will help you understand the steps involved and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your cake. Use fresh eggs, good-quality butter, and pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients and a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Prep Your Pans: Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for added insurance.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before using them. This ensures even mixing and a better cake texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop. Use a gentle hand.
Follow Baking Times: Pay close attention to the recommended baking times in the recipe. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness.
Cool Properly: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
Now that you have some essential baking tips in mind, let’s explore some beginner-friendly cake recipes.
Classic Vanilla Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter and mix until well incorporated. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the drizzle)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is still warm, mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar to make the drizzle. Poke holes in the cake with a toothpick and drizzle the lemon mixture over the top.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil and eggs together until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Easy Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium apples)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the grated apples and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared square baking pan and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking cakes from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. With the right recipes and some basic baking tips, you can create delicious homemade cakes that will impress your loved ones. Whether you choose to make a classic vanilla cake, a rich chocolate devil’s food cake, a zesty lemon drizzle cake, a moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or a comforting apple spice cake, the joy of baking from scratch is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking your way to sweet success!
Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and red in color.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Marble Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup hot water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
In a separate small bowl, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.
Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the cocoa mixture over the vanilla batter. Repeat with the remaining batters and cocoa mixture.
Use a knife to create a marbled pattern by swirling the batters together.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Ingredients:
For the Topping:
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained
Maraschino cherries (optional)
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple)
1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
For the Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it’s well combined and slightly caramelized.
Pour the brown sugar mixture into the bottom of the greased cake pan.
Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the brown sugar mixture. You can place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice if desired.
For the Cake:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pineapple juice and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices in the cake pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate. Leave the pan on top of the cake for a minute to allow any remaining caramel sauce to drip onto the cake.
Carefully remove the pan, and let the cake cool completely before serving.
Baking a cake from scratch can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, even for beginners. These beginner-friendly cake recipes cover a range of flavors and styles, from classic vanilla to rich chocolate, zesty lemon, comforting carrot, and more. With the right ingredients, some patience, and a little practice, you can create delicious homemade cakes that will impress your friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on your cake-baking journey. The sweet rewards are worth it!
