Melissa's Kitchen: Easy Cake Recipes You'll Love

If you love to bake or simply enjoy the taste of freshly baked cakes, you've come to the right place. Melissa's Kitchen is all about bringing you easy cake recipes that are not only delicious but also fun to make. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a casual afternoon treat, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Simple Vanilla Cake

The foundation of many bakers’ repertoires, the vanilla cake, is deceptively simple yet incredibly versatile. Here’s what you need for a basic, fluffy vanilla cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 2 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and a light greasing.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding this mixture with milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Stir in the vanilla extract last.
4. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

✨ Note: If you prefer a softer texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Chocolate Delicacy Cake

Nothing beats a rich, moist chocolate cake when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Here’s an easy recipe to satisfy your chocolate cravings:

• 1 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with parchment and non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Reduce the speed and carefully add the boiling water, continuing to mix until the batter is smooth.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Let cool completely before frosting.

The final round-up of these delightful recipes shows you don't need to be a professional baker to make cakes that look and taste amazing. Whether you choose to make a simple vanilla or dive into the richness of chocolate, these cakes are designed to be both easy and impressive. Baking is an art form that allows for creativity and personalization, so don't hesitate to add your touch with different frostings, decorations, or flavor enhancements. Enjoy the process, and remember that each cake baked is a little piece of happiness shared with those you love.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

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Yes, you can use cake flour if you want a lighter, more tender cake. Just remember to adjust the amount by sifting and spooning the flour into the measuring cup without packing it down.

What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?

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You can make your own baking powder by mixing ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of baking soda with ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder called for in the recipe.

How do I store these cakes?

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Store unfrosted cakes at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Frosted cakes should be refrigerated due to the frosting, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.