Homemade Margherita Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of white sugar
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 cup of milk

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Finally stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  4. Stir in the milk until batter is smooth.
  5. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Cake is done when it springs back to the touch.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Electric Mixer - A handheld or stand mixer to cream the sugar and butter and mix the batter.
  • Spatula - A tool used for scraping the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Tools for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • 9x9 inch Pan - A baking pan of the specified size to bake the cake.
  • Parchment Paper - Optional, can be used to line the baking pan for easy removal of the cake.
  • Oven - An appliance used to bake the cake at the specified temperature.
  • Wire Rack - A cooling rack to place the baked cake on to cool.

Recipe variations

  • Replace white sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • Use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added texture.
  • Substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or dried fruits (such as cranberries or raisins) to the batter.
  • Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our simple yet delicious classic Vanilla cake recipe! This delightful cake is a favorite for many, thanks to its moist, buttery crumb and sweet, vanilla flavor. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners. With just a few basic ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder and milk, you can whip up a homey dessert that's sure to comfort and satisfy. Expect a baking time of around 30 to 35 minutes for a cake that's golden and springs back when lightly touched. Serve it as is, or let it cool and frost it with your favorite icing. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for the white sugar in this recipe. Keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and color of the cake.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter. However, butter typically provides a richer flavor to the cake.
  3. Can I use a different size pan? Yes, you can use a different size pan. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness using the "spring back" test.
  4. Can I use a different type of flour? This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with different types of flour like whole wheat flour or cake flour. However, note that the texture and taste of the cake may be affected.
  5. Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative? Yes, you can use non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk. The texture and flavor of the cake may differ slightly.
  6. Can I add any additional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts? Absolutely! You can customize the cake by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or any other desired mix-ins. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Whisk - Used to beat and incorporate air into the batter.
  • Spatula - Helps to scrape the sides of the bowl and fold in the ingredients.
  • 9x9 inch Pan - The baking pan used to bake the cake.
  • Parchment Paper - Optional, but can be used to line the baking pan for easier removal of the cake.
  • Oven - Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature.
  • Cooling Rack - A rack to cool the cake after it has been baked.
  • Knife - Used to slice and serve the cake.
  • Cake Server - A utensil specifically designed for serving cake slices.

Origin stories

This simple yet delightful recipe harkens back to the 18th century England where it was known as the "Pound Cake" due to its formula of using a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This cake's history is deeply rooted in the British baking tradition, and its simplicity and versatility have made it a staple across the world. Over time, the recipe has been adapted to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, but the essence of the original pound cake remains, making it a timeless classic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.