🍰 How to Bake a Simple, Plain Cake from Scratch

Baking a cake from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated! With just a few pantry ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a soft, fluffy cake perfect for any occasion—or even just for an afternoon treat. Here’s how to make a basic plain cake that’s easy, delicious, and beginner-friendly.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need the essentials: 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of butter, 2 eggs, 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ cup of milk, and a pinch of salt. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps your batter mix smoothly for an even texture.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Prepping your pan before mixing ensures you’re ready to bake immediately once the batter is done.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, which gives your cake that perfect, soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Mix Well

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps create a smooth and uniform batter while maintaining that light consistency.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently until everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your cake might turn dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cake has cooled completely, slice it up and enjoy! You can serve it plain with tea or coffee, dust it with powdered sugar, or add frosting if you’re feeling fancy.

✅ Conclusion

A simple plain cake is proof that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated. With basic ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bake a soft, golden cake that’s comforting, classic, and delicious—perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself.