Cake recipes: Who doesn't want to treat themselves with a bite of sinful sweet delight after a long day of appointments, meeting, assignments and commotion. While the thought of calories rightly restrict us from indulging too deep in the thought, a sweet escape one in a while doesn't harm anyone. Does it? Most of us love to cook, but the paucity of time or the fear of getting a recipe wrong keeps us within a bubble of reluctance. When it comes to desserts and baking, most of the amateur cooks steer clear of trying their hands at whipping up exquisite cheesecakes et al. But, as they say, if you want to master the art, do not rush, rather focus on the very basics and start simple. Only when you master the basics will you be able to get your confidence to pull off complex recipes.
(Also Read: 11 Best Baking Recipes)
To get you started, we present some of the most basic cake recipes that are not only a cakewalk to prepare but are all-time favourites too. But before you tuck yourself in an apron and get ready to bake, here are a few essential tips that every beginner should keep in mind -
According to Mary Berry, an English food author and television presenter popularly associated with The Great British Bake Off, following things should be like your own personal baking bible:
1. The right proportion and measurement of ingredients.
2. Be watchful while using baking powder
3. “A high fat content is essential in the butter or margarine you choose to use. I always aim at over 75%,” states Mary Berry in an interview.
Apart from these, following points will also help a great deal in assisting you in your baking endeavours | Tips and Tricks for the perfect cake:
1. Consistency of butter is of the utmost importance. Make sure the butter is at room temperature.
2. Do not fret at the last moment. Have your ingredients ready and handy.
3. Precision is the key. From weighing your ingredients and strictly following the recipe word-by-word to sticking to the given baking time.
4. Mix your ingredients well allowing the mixture to get some air.
5. Do not guess the temperature; get an oven thermometer if need be.
6. Avoid using eggs straight from the refrigerator, all ingredients should be at room temperature.
7. Butter the pan properly, use a pastry brush.
8. Insert a toothpick into the cake to see if the cake is cooked properly.
9. Last but not the least; let your cake cool properly.
(Also Read: 11 Birthday Cake Recipes)
Here are our 13 best simple cake recipes that you'd love to prepare at home:
1. Flourless Chocolate Cake
This is a simple cake that can be put together with just five ingredients, in less than half an hour. This does not even require any flour!
(Also Read: How to Bake the Perfect Flourless Chocolate Cake)
2. Butterless Sponge Cake
Sponge cakes are some of the easiest and most fuss-free cakes to prepare. Get the batter right and you can't go wrong.
Best simple cake recipes: Butter-free, fuss-free, easy and quick. Cakes couldn't be dearer than this.
3. Continental Apple Cake
Straight from the kitchen of Chef Roopa Gulati comes this classic apple cake. So easy and delightful on your taste buds, this one is an absolute crowd pleaser.
4. Coffee Cake with Mocha Frosting
For the love of coffee and desserts, here is a simple cake combining the best of both worlds.
5. Pound Cake
A handful of ingredients and five basic steps will get you to this traditional, British favourite.
6. Eggless Vanilla Cake
Moist, spongy and oh so delicious! Serve magic on your dinner table with this gorgeous vanilla cake that gets ready in a jiffy!
7. Apple Cinnamon Cake
Bringing together two of the most loved flavours in the world - apple and cinnamon. Chef Vicky Ratnani helps you get around the art of creating the perfect apple cinnamon cake in the simplest possible steps.
Fused with flavours of vanilla, cocoa and chocolate comes the classic marble cake. Get to learn how to bake this delight to perfection.
9. Banana and Jam Cake
A tea-time special made with healthy substitutes like whole wheat flour, olive oil and brown sugar. This classic banana cake gets a tarty twist with the addition of jam.
10. Chocolate Lava Cake
One of the most popular and best loved desserts in the world - the chocolate lava cake. This decadent delight is surprisingly simple and fuss-free to bake and guarantees truckloads of joy.
Best simple cake recipes: The most loved dessert can be easily made at home.
11. Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe
If you are craving for a cake, then why not make it for yourself? Make this quick and decadent chocolate mud cake in your microwave. This rich delight can be easily made and shared with your friends, that is if you want to.
12. Eggless Pineapple And Coconut Cake
This coconut cake is a guaranteed showstopper at any gatherings or special occasion. The beautiful flakes of pineapple and toasted coconut on the top make it even more delicious and heavenly in taste.
13. Molten Chocolate Mug Cake
With just a few things, a delicious mug of chocolate cake will be ready in no time!