Description
A classic homemade loaf cake featuring a golden brown crust and a soft, moist crumb. This simple yet delicious cake is perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack, made with basic pantry ingredients and baked to perfection in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This basic loaf cake can be customized by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest.
