Who doesn't love a slice of moist and delicious cake for dessert or tea-time? Loaf cakes are perfect for any occasion, be it a birthday party or a special family gathering. They are easy to make and can be customized with various flavors and toppings. In this article, we will share an easy and quick recipe for a classic loaf cake that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup whole milk
Optional Add-Ins
If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your loaf cake, you can also include any of the following ingredients: - Chocolate chips - Chopped nuts - Dried fruits - Lemon or orange zest - Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with the recipe: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. 4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 5. Stir in the vanilla extract. 6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined after each addition. 7. If using any add-ins, fold them into the batter gently. 8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 11. Once cooled, slice and serve with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Now, let's take a look at the nutrition information for this loaf cake recipe: - Calories: 320 per slice - Total Fat: 12g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 68mg - Sodium: 150mg - Total Carbohydrate: 49g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 27g - Protein: 4g
Tips and Variations
- For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar. - You can also add a glaze or frosting to the cake for extra sweetness. Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze would work well. - To make the cake more festive, you can add food coloring to the batter or sprinkle some festive sprinkles on top before baking. - You can also experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond, coconut, or maple.
Conclusion
Making a delicious and moist loaf cake has never been easier. With this recipe, you can whip up a cake in no time and customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer it plain or with some added flavors, this classic loaf cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and give it a try!