The Ultimate Guide to Baking a Delicious Small Cake

Baking a small cake can be incredibly rewarding, perfect for a cozy treat or a special occasion for one or two. This guide provides a simple yet delicious small cake recipe, focusing on techniques to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful result every time. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips and variations, ensuring your small cake is a resounding success.

The Perfect Small Cake Recipe

This recipe yields a 6-inch single-layer cake, easily adaptable to smaller or larger tins.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup milk (whole milk recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 6-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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 – don't overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for a Perfect Small Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. Every oven is slightly different.
• Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents it from crumbling when frosted or sliced.

Variations & Flavor Enhancements

This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point for countless variations:

• Chocolate Cake: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Lemon Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the milk.
• Vanilla Bean Cake: Replace the vanilla extract with the seeds scraped from one vanilla bean.
• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Frosting and Decorating Your Small Cake

Once your cake is completely cool, you can frost it with your favorite frosting. A simple buttercream frosting or a light whipped cream are excellent choices for a small cake. Get creative with decorations – fresh berries, sprinkles, or even a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your creation.

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