There’s something truly magical about making a sweet dessert that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and brings smiles to everyone around. This easy dessert recipe is perfect for those just starting their baking journey. Trust me, whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete novice, you’ll find joy in whipping up this simple yet scrumptious treat! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into the world of baking where every bite is a little piece of happiness!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing—this helps create that wonderfully creamy texture that makes this dessert so delightful! If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften it up. Trust me, it makes a difference! And don’t worry if you don’t have fancy ingredients; this recipe is all about simplicity and deliciousness. Now let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get started on making this delightful dessert! First things first: you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven helps your dessert bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy. Seriously, you want it to look like a lovely cloud!
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and gives your dessert that light texture we all love. Then, stir in the vanilla extract—oh, the aroma is just heavenly! In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix, and it’s important to combine everything well to avoid clumps. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it; you want a smooth batter, not a workout!
Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into a greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. To check for doneness, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let it cool for a bit before serving, and you’ll be all set to enjoy this delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—no overmixing here!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delightful dessert. Each serving contains about 200 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates, including 10 grams of sugar. Remember, these values can vary based on ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration.
- Delicious taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Family-friendly—kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat!
Honestly, what’s not to love? Each bite is like a warm hug, and I promise, it’ll become a go-to dessert in your house!
Tips for Success
To make sure your dessert turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips! First, ensure your butter is at room temperature—this helps it cream beautifully with the sugar, giving your dessert that light and airy texture. Also, don’t skip the step of checking for doneness; inserting a toothpick into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s still wet, give it a couple more minutes in the oven. And remember, let your dessert cool a bit before diving in; the flavors really develop as it sits! Trust me, these little tips will elevate your baking game!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this dessert! Try folding in some chocolate chips for a rich, gooey treat that everyone will love. Nuts add a delightful crunch—walnuts or pecans work beautifully! You could also mix in fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color. Feeling festive? A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. The options are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This will help maintain its lovely texture and flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some common questions you might have about this dessert! First up, Can I substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you’re out of butter, margarine works just fine. You can also swap out regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. What can I serve it with? This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could even drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch of indulgence!
Now, How do I know if it’s done baking? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs—if it’s wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven. And finally, Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it up. You’ll be all set for an easy dessert that everyone will love!
For more baking tips, check out this baking tips guide from King Arthur Baking.
If you’re interested in exploring more dessert recipes, visit our dessert section for a variety of delightful options!
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Dessert Magic: 7 Steps to Create Sweet Happiness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy dessert recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute butter with margarine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: dessert, easy dessert, baking
