Get ready to transform your baking game with the most incredible, melt-in-your-mouth cake recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds! Shirley's Basic Moist Sweet Cake isn't just another dessert - it's a culinary masterpiece that promises to elevate your baking skills and tantalize your taste buds with its perfect balance of sweetness and tender crumb. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe guarantees a show-stopping cake that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, the cake can be served as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted with your favorite icing.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting - this helps create a smoother, more uniform batter.
- Don't overmix the batter! Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure the cake rises properly and has a soft, airy texture.
- For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Always preheat the oven and use an accurate oven thermometer to guarantee the right baking temperature.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or decorating to prevent melting and ensure a clean finish.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
