Step By Step Guide: How To Bake a Delicious Dry Cake

To make a dry cake, mix sifted flour, baking powder, and baking soda with a creamy butter-sugar mixture. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, and optional toppings like nuts or cocoa, then bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before serving for a delicious tea-time treat.

Start by preheating the oven and preparing the cake pan. Sift dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and fold in optional toppings. Pour the batter into the pan, bake at 180°C for 30-40 minutes, and cool completely. The result is a light, airy cake perfect for snacks or tea time.

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for a chocolate version)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup butter (room temperature) or vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or yogurt/banana as egg substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk (adjust for batter consistency)
• Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips

Step By Step Recipe

1. Prepare for Baking

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a loaf pan or a round cake pan with butter/oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (if using). Sifting ensures the cake is airy and lump-free.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In another bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar using a whisk or hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft and spongy texture.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If using yogurt or banana as an egg substitute, add it now.
• Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently with a spatula or whisk to avoid overmixing. The batter should be smooth and pourable but not runny. Adjust milk as needed.

6. Add Optional Toppings

• Fold in nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if desired. This step is optional but adds texture and flavor to the cake.

7. Pour the Batter

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and tap it gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

8. Bake the Cake

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Check the cake after 25 minutes to prevent over-baking.

9. Cool the Cake

• Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Dry Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients combine.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this simple yet delicious dry cake with tea or coffee.