Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Cake:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• A pinch of salt

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and flour your cake pan (9-inch round or square pan) to prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

• Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

• Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

• Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.

• Mix until everything is well combined, but don’t overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

7. Pour the Batter into the Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake the Cake:

• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

9. Cool the Cake:

• Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

• Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

10. Frost and Decorate (Optional):

• Once the cake is completely cool, you can frost and decorate it with your favorite frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, etc.) and toppings like sprinkles or fresh fruit.

Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

• Check for Doneness: Always check the cake with a toothpick or skewer to make sure it’s baked through.