Every time I make this Baked Goodie, I’m filled with joy and fond memories. It reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with my family. You know those days when the sun streams through the window, and the aroma of something delicious wafts through the air? That’s what this recipe brings to my home. My kids would rush in with eager smiles, wondering what delightful treat was baking away. And let me tell you, once you try this recipe, you’ll feel that warmth and comfort wrapped around you, just like a cozy blanket.
Making this Baked Goodie is not only easy, but it’s also a perfect way to bring everyone together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to make an ordinary day a bit brighter, this dish will fit the bill. I love serving it warm, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top and maybe a drizzle of honey or some fresh fruit. Your family will be begging for seconds, and trust me, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection in no time!
How to make Baked Goodie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is your base and gives structure to the cake.
- 1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness; you can adjust this based on your preference.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – This creates a rich flavor and ensures a moist texture.
- 2 eggs – They help bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup milk – Keeps the cake moist; you can use whole, skim, or even almond milk.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – This is your leavening agent. We want the cake to rise beautifully!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Always a must for enhancing flavors!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Personal note: In my kitchen, I often like to add a dash of cinnamon for a little extra warmth, especially during the colder months. You can also try substituting the butter with coconut oil for a slightly different taste!
Cooking Steps
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Preheat the oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key to ensure that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
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Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar. This step is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cake light and fluffy. You want it to be light in color and fluffy—around 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
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Add the eggs: Now, crack in the two eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be sure to mix until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should start looking nice and creamy at this point!
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Stir in the vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix well. This will make your kitchen smell divine!
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents clumping in your batter.
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Mix with the wet ingredients: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the butter-sugar mixture. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This helps keep your batter nice and smooth!
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Pour into the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and pour in your batter. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
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Bake to perfection: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it almost unbearable to wait!
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Cool down: Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
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Serve and enjoy: I love to serve this with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, maybe some fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream! Your family will rave about it.
Why I Love Making This Dish There’s something special about this Baked Goodie that makes it a favorite in our home. I cherish the way it brings people together—often times, it’s my kids who help out in the kitchen, stirring the batter and sneaking a taste or two! It’s not just about the cake, but the memories we create while making it. You might even say it has become a family tradition to bake it every Sunday afternoon.
What You’ll Need In addition to your kitchen essentials, I recommend using a good quality mixing bowl, a spatula, and an electric mixer. If you don’t have an electric mixer, don’t worry! A whisk and some elbow grease will work just fine, too.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start; this ensures it creams nicely with the sugar.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps your cake firm up and makes it easier to slice.
- For an extra treat, consider adding in some chocolate chips or nuts to the batter before baking.
Serving Suggestions and Sides This Baked Goodie is excellent on its own, but if you’re looking to dress it up, I suggest serving it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for afternoon gatherings. On special occasions, serve it up with fresh fruit on the side—berries, bananas, or even a scoop of ice cream.
Leftovers Now, if you have leftovers (which is a rarity at my house!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week, although I must warn you, they might not last that long! To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
FAQ Section Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just keep an eye on the texture—it might be a bit denser, but it’ll still be delicious!
Is it okay to add fruits like bananas or apples? Yes! Feel free to fold in some mashed bananas or finely chopped apples for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Can I freeze this Baked Goodie? Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and pop it in the freezer. To enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While you can use margarine, I personally recommend sticking with real butter for the best flavor. Butter gives it that rich aroma and taste we all love!
This dish has become a beloved staple in my household, and I’m so eager for you to give it a try. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do! The beauty of this Baked Goodie is in its simplicity and the love that you put into it. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create something wonderful. Your family will be asking for seconds, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that! Let me know how it turns out; I can’t wait to hear about your own delicious memories!