SAEDNEWS: Did You Know Making a Simple Cake Is One of the Most Popular Searches in the World of Baking?
In this article, we want to share the secrets of making a simple homemade cake. The preparation time for the ingredients is about 30 minutes, and the baking time ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, so in less than an hour, you can have a delicious cake. To make this simple vanilla cake, you need basic ingredients such as eggs, flour, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and baking powder.
For successful cake baking, the first step is to prepare high-quality ingredients. Take all ingredients out of the refrigerator at least an hour before starting to reach room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, spongy texture.
To test the freshness of eggs, place them in a bowl of water. If the egg lies flat at the bottom, it is fresh; if it floats, it is old. It is also recommended to sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder before use to ensure a soft and delicate cake.
Accurate measurement of ingredients is one of the secrets of professional bakers.
Helpful ingredient conversions:
1 cup of flour = 125–150 g
1 cup of sugar = 200–230 g
1 cup of vegetable oil = 200–224 g
Follow these steps to achieve a soft and spongy cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Crack the eggs into a bowl and separate the whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites at high speed until fluffy and stable.
Mix the yolks with sugar and vanilla until creamy and light. Then, add milk to the yolk mixture.
Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture to preserve the volume.
Sift the flour three times to incorporate air. Add baking powder and mix. Gradually add the flour mixture in 3–4 stages, folding gently each time.
Grease the cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter in a circular motion to prevent doming. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Proper ingredient preparation: Bring ingredients to room temperature and measure accurately.
Egg separation technique: Beat egg whites until fluffy for a spongy texture.
Oven temperature: Set the oven to 180°C and avoid opening the door for the first 30 minutes.
Fresh baking powder: Test freshness and sift flour three times.
Gentle mixing: Add flour gradually in stages and fold carefully.
Q1. How can I ensure my cake rises properly?
Do not open the oven for the first 30 minutes, use room-temperature eggs, separate and beat egg whites and yolks, and set the oven to 175–180°C.
Q2. How do I measure cake ingredients accurately?
Use a kitchen scale for precision. Spoon flour into the cup and avoid adjusting quantities by eye. 1 cup of flour ≈ 125–150 g, 1 cup of sugar ≈ 200–230 g, 1 cup of vegetable oil ≈ 200–224 g.
