Easy School Cake Recipe: A Kid-Friendly Delight

Sending your child to school with a homemade treat is a fantastic way to show your love and make their day special. But who has time for complicated baking projects? This easy school cake recipe is perfect for busy parents who still want to provide a delicious and healthy(ish!) snack. It's simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a classroom hit!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute baking needs.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Simple Steps for Baking Success:

Follow these easy-to-follow steps and you'll have a delicious cake ready in no time!

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. The fluffier the mixture, the better the cake's texture!

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Decorate (Optional)

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or decorating. This prevents the frosting from melting. Get creative with decorations! Simple sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a smear of your child's favorite jam can make it extra special.

Tips for Baking Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Variations & Adaptations:

This basic recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these fun variations:

• Chocolate Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Lemon Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and drizzle with a lemon glaze after cooling.
• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Why this Recipe is Perfect for School:

• Easy to Transport: The 9x13 inch pan makes it easy to cut into individual servings for easy transport in a lunchbox.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: This simple cake recipe is delicious and appealing to most children.
• Quick & Easy: The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require any special baking skills.

This easy school cake recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s the perfect way to show your child some love and make their day a little sweeter. Enjoy baking!