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5 Cakes Every Baker Should Perfect Before Baking Anything Else



Baking is an art, but it’s also a science. And just like any great artist or scientist, a baker needs a strong foundation to build upon. Mastering these five essential cakes will set you up for baking success, giving you the skills and confidence to tackle more complex recipes. Ready to bake like a pro? Let’s get started!


1. Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake

The vanilla sponge cake is the backbone of countless recipes. Light, fluffy, and versatile, it can be dressed up with frosting, layered with fruit, or served plain with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.

  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.

  5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.



2. Rich Chocolate Cake

Every baker needs a go-to chocolate cake recipe. Moist, decadent, and deeply chocolaty, this is the cake that wins hearts at every occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water or coffee

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.

  2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

  3. Mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee.

  4. Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.



3. Moist Carrot Cake

This spiced delight, often paired with tangy cream cheese frosting, is a must-know for any baker. Its tender texture and rich flavor make it an all-time favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil

  • 2 cups (200g) grated carrots

  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch pan.

  2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.

  3. Mix the dry into the wet, then fold in carrots and nuts.

  4. Pour into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.



4. Classic Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a dessert that’s always in style. Whether served plain or with a fruit topping, this creamy, luscious cake is a baker’s must-master.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 (8 oz/225g each) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 large eggs

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing into the bottom of a springform pan.

  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.

  3. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.

  4. Let cool completely before chilling in the fridge.



5. Zesty Lemon Pound Cake

Bright, tangy, and buttery, this cake is perfect for tea time or as a refreshing dessert on sunny days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

  2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.

  3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients.

  4. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Pour into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.


Mastering these five cakes will not only impress your friends and family but also give you the confidence to tackle more complex bakes. With each slice, you’ll taste the sweet reward of your growing skills. Happy baking!


Warm regards,

The Scarlet Spoon Team

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