The Easiest Cake to Make

Introduction

Sometimes, simplicity is key to creating something truly delicious, and this recipe for “The Easiest Cake to Make” is a prime example of that. When I first tried this cake, I was amazed at how easy it was to put together yet how incredibly flavorful it turned out. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and sugar creates a rich and moist cake with a smooth texture, while the cake flour helps achieve the perfect crumb. My family couldn’t stop raving about it, and it quickly became a go-to dessert in my baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting out, this cake is so simple to make and delivers great results every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 sticks (2 cups) butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 7 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups cake flour

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or bundt cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This recipe is incredibly simple, so make sure you have all of your ingredients ready.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together for about 7 minutes, or until they are well combined and smooth. This step is crucial as it helps to create the rich, creamy base for the cake.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once the wet ingredients are well blended, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs fully into the mixture and ensures a smooth batter. After all the eggs are added, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cake Flour

Slowly begin adding the cake flour to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, mixing as you go. This will ensure that the flour is evenly incorporated and prevent lumps in the batter. Continue mixing until the cake flour is fully combined with the wet ingredients, forming a smooth batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done. The slow baking process allows the cake to cook evenly and maintain its moist texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, slice and serve. You’ll be amazed at how soft, moist, and delicious this cake is, despite how simple it was to make.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1 slice out of 12)

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
• Calories: 370-400 calories
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including baking and cooling time)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve:

• With a cup of tea or coffee: This cake is perfect with your afternoon tea or coffee, providing a rich, comforting treat.
• As a dessert: Serve it after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert.
• For a crowd: This cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a party dessert. It can easily be sliced into 12 servings for a crowd.
• Garnished: Optionally, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness and decoration.

Additional Tips:

1. Softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps to cream it properly with the sugar, resulting in a smoother batter.
2. Sifting flour: For an extra light and airy texture, sift the cake flour before adding it to the mixture.
3. Check doneness: Be sure to test the cake with a toothpick after 1 hour and 30 minutes. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.
4. Storage: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
5. Enhance the flavor: Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a subtle twist on the classic flavor.

Recipe Variations:

• Lemon Cream Cheese Cake: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy version of this cake. You can also top it with lemon glaze for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Variation: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an added burst of sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy, nutty texture that pairs well with the creamy cake.
• Berry Version: Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the batter before baking for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• With fresh fruit: Pair the cake with fresh seasonal fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries to balance out the richness of the cake.
• With whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy touch to the rich cake.
• As a brunch treat: Serve slices of this cake at your next brunch gathering, accompanied by fresh coffee or fruit juices.
• For special occasions: Add some festive flair by topping the cake with colored sprinkles or edible flowers for birthdays or holidays.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing slices: You can also freeze individual slices for a quick and easy treat. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQ:

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the cake, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
   Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser. For a closer match, replace each cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, adding cornstarch to achieve a similar lightness.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream?
   Yes, you can substitute with low-fat versions of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly lighter version of the cake.
4. Can I use more eggs for a fluffier cake?
   Using the amount of eggs specified in the recipe helps achieve the perfect balance of moisture and richness. Using more eggs may alter the texture.
5. Can I add frosting on top?
   This cake is rich enough to enjoy on its own, but if you like, you can frost it with a simple cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake, just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as necessary.
7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly well for this recipe.
8. How can I tell when the cake is done?
   Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.
9. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Just be sure to use a flour blend that works for cakes.
10. How long does this cake last?
    The cake stays fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week.

Conclusion:

The easiest cake to make is truly a showstopper, combining simplicity with flavor in every bite. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this cake yields a soft, moist, and decadent treat that will delight your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to impress. With its customizable variations and easy preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves homemade desserts without the fuss.

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