Simple Loaf Cake Recipe for Beginners – Best Easy Idea for Perfect Homemade Cake Every Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50-55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves: 8-10 slices
Introduction
If you’ve ever wanted to bake a cake but felt intimidated by complicated recipes, this simple loaf cake is your perfect starting point! This foolproof recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and requires absolutely no special techniques or equipment. The result? A beautifully moist, tender cake with a golden crust that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. This is the kind of recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen – it’s nearly impossible to mess up, and the results are consistently delicious. Whether you’re a complete baking beginner or just want a reliable go-to cake recipe, this simple loaf will become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: Uses basic ingredients and simple mixing method – no special skills required
- One-bowl wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum results
- Ready in just over an hour: Perfect for when you want fresh cake without all-day commitment
- Pantry staples only: Uses ingredients you likely already have at home
- Incredibly versatile: Works as a base for countless flavor variations
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Spooned and leveled, not packed |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Regular white sugar |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Check expiration date for best rise |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Fine table salt |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature preferred |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Can substitute with 2% milk |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup | Or melted butter, cooled |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Pure vanilla for best flavor |
For the Optional Simple Glaze
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/2 cups | Sifted for smoothness |
| Milk | 3-4 tablespoons | Add gradually |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
Equipment Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick for testing
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set up for success: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your leavening is distributed properly throughout the cake.
- Combine wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until just combined – about 1-2 minutes of stirring. The batter should be smooth but don’t worry about getting every tiny lump out.
Tip: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, which can make your cake tough instead of tender.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently tap the pan on the counter once or twice to release any air bubbles. Smooth the top with your spatula if needed.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.
- Cool properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and makes slicing much easier.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile loaf cake is delicious in so many ways:
- Serve plain with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple afternoon treat
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation
- Drizzle with the simple glaze while still slightly warm
- Toast slices and serve with butter and jam for breakfast
- Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert
- Pack slices in lunch boxes – it stays moist for days
Success Tips & Variations
For Perfect Results Every Time:
- Room temperature ingredients mix better – take eggs and milk out 30 minutes before baking
- Don’t open the oven door for the first 45 minutes of baking, as this can cause the cake to sink
- Use the toothpick test – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter
- Cool completely before slicing – warm cake crumbles easily, but cooled cake slices beautifully
Easy Flavor Variations:
- Lemon Loaf: Add 2 tablespoons lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the batter
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips before baking
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, swirl half the batter in the pan, add cinnamon mixture, then top with remaining batter
- Orange Loaf: Replace vanilla with orange extract and add 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Almond: Replace 1 teaspoon vanilla with almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor
FAQs
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens when the oven temperature is too high, you opened the oven door too early, or you overmixed the batter. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and avoid peeking until at least 45 minutes of baking time.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. You can also use commercial egg replacers following package directions.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top, springs back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).
Can I use this batter for muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes. This makes the recipe even more versatile.
How should I store this cake?
Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but bake in two separate loaf pans rather than one large pan. The baking time will remain about the same, but check both pans with a toothpick to ensure they’re done.
Conclusion
This simple loaf cake recipe is proof that the best things in baking are often the simplest. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and one bowl, you can create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for building your confidence in the kitchen, and once you master this basic technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with all sorts of delicious variations. The beauty of this recipe lies in its reliability – it works every single time, making it your go-to solution for everything from last-minute desserts to thoughtful homemade gifts. So grab your mixing bowl and give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredible!
