Hey there! If you’re looking for some delightful things to bake, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is my go-to for an easy and scrumptious treat that even beginners can master. Trust me, there’s something so satisfying about mixing up a simple batter and watching it transform into a golden, delicious dessert. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be creating mouthwatering goodness in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself (no judgment here!). So, let’s dive into the world of baking and get you started on this tasty adventure!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making your baked goods soft and delicious, so let’s get them all lined up:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results! It’s amazing how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Now, let’s get ready to mix and bake!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients sorted, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious treat that’ll impress everyone.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking. No one wants a cake that’s raw in the middle, right? So, set that temperature and let it heat up while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed. This helps to ensure that the baking powder is distributed throughout the flour, which is key for a nice rise. Just a gentle mix is all you need—no need to overdo it here!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, it’s time to cream the softened butter and sugar together. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Just a little heads up: don’t overmix! Once it’s creamy and combined, you’re good to go. Trust me, this step adds so much deliciousness to your baked goods!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, crack those eggs into the butter mixture and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to see a lovely, uniform color here—this is where the magic really starts to happen! Eggs help to bind everything together and give your treat that perfect texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next up, we’re going to mix our wet and dry ingredients. Start by adding a third of the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, then pour in half of the milk. Mix it gently until it’s just combined, then repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the rest of the milk, and finally the last of the dry mix. The key here is to mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks—overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we definitely don’t want that!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Now it’s time to pour that lovely batter into a greased baking pan. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell that will fill your kitchen is absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once your treat is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is super important for achieving a better texture and makes it easier to slice. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s hard to resist the warm goodness, but trust me, allowing it to cool will make for a much more enjoyable eating experience!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about what’s in your delicious treat! Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just a general guideline:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Remember, moderation is key, and it’s all about balance! Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t be too hard on yourself—it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s set you up for baking success with a few handy tips! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you navigate the kitchen like a pro, even if you’re just starting out.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is at the right temperature by using an oven thermometer. Ovens can sometimes be a bit off, and you want to avoid any surprises that could lead to underbaked or overbaked treats!
• Don’t Overmix: This can be a tough one, but try to mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough baked goods, and we want to keep them light and fluffy!
• Cool for Better Texture: Allow your baked goods to cool completely before slicing or serving. This helps the texture set and makes for a much more enjoyable eating experience. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but patience is key!
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before using them. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother and more uniform mixture.
• Prep Your Pans: Always grease your baking pan properly to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra insurance—this way, you’ll have no trouble getting your delicious creation out of the pan!
• Have Fun! Don’t stress too much about making everything perfect. Baking is about experimenting and enjoying the process. So, throw on your favorite playlist and let the good times roll!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating some amazing treats. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

What can I substitute for butter?

If you’re out of butter or just looking for alternatives, don’t worry! There are plenty of options you can use. One popular substitute is coconut oil; it gives a nice flavor and works well in most recipes. You could also try using vegetable oil or applesauce for a lower-fat option. Just remember, if you’re using something liquid like oil, you might want to adjust the measurements a bit. For every cup of butter, you can usually use about 3/4 cup of oil. Experiment a little and find what works best for you!

How can I tell if my baked goods are done?

This is a great question! A simple way to check if your baked goods are ready is to do the toothpick test. Just insert a toothpick into the center of your cake or treat—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re good to go! If it’s still wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. You can also look for a nice golden color and a slight spring back when you gently press the top. Trust your instincts, and you’ll nail it every time!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour is a fantastic option if you’re looking to add some extra nutrition to your baking. Just keep in mind that it has a denser texture compared to all-purpose flour, which might change the outcome of your treats a bit. If you want to use whole wheat flour, I recommend starting by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This way, you’ll still get some of that lightness while benefiting from the added fiber. Happy experimenting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make, perfect for beginners!
• Quick prep time—just 15 minutes and you’re ready to bake!
• Delicious results that will impress your friends and family.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Versatile base that you can customize with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Great for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a special celebration.
• Leaves your kitchen smelling heavenly while it bakes!

Things to Bake: 7 Simple Steps for Tasty Treats

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple guide to baking delicious treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
6. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
7. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let it cool before serving.

Notes

• Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Allow the baked goods to cool for better texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: things to bake