Introduction
Indulge in a delightful experience with this delicious cake recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavor and topped with an enticing icing, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can achieve a mouthwatering result.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup water
½ cup sour cream
2 eggs
For the Icing:
½ cup milk
½ cup butter
4½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves approximately 12-15 people
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Grease and flour, or line with parchment paper, an 11×15 inch rimmed baking sheet.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with water.
5. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture; add eggs and vanilla.
6. Whisk eggs and vanilla, then incorporate sour cream.
7. Add melted butter and water mixture; stir until batter is smooth.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Remove cake from oven.
10. For the icing, in a saucepan, bring milk, butter, and vanilla to a simmer.
11. Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
12. Immediately pour icing over hot cake; it will set quickly.
13. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
Storage Notes
Store any leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Grease and flour an 11×15 inch rimmed baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
Step 4: Melt Butter and Water
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter together with 1 cup of water. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
Step 5: Create a Well in the Dry Mixture
Make a well in the center of the dry flour mixture. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into this well.
Step 6: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Whisk the eggs and vanilla together in the well, then gradually mix in ½ cup of sour cream until combined.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the melted butter and water mixture into the bowl. Stir everything together until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Remove from Oven
Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 10: Prepare the Icing
In a saucepan, combine ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 11: Add Powdered Sugar
Whisk in 4½ cups of powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 12: Pour Icing over Cake
Immediately pour the prepared icing over the hot cake. It will start to set quickly.
Step 13: Add Pecans
If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans over the icing before it fully sets.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
To ensure even baking, always preheat your oven to the desired temperature before placing your cake inside. This helps the cake rise properly.
Greasing and Preparing the Baking Pan
Greasing and flouring the baking pan or lining it with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking. Make sure to cover the entire surface for best results.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt) in a bowl before adding any wet ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of baking soda and helps the cake rise properly.
Melted Butter and Water Mixture
Melt the butter with water over medium heat to create a uniform mixture that adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
Creating a Well
When incorporating wet ingredients into dry ingredients, create a well in the center of the dry mix. This allows for easier mixing and reduces the chances of dry pockets in the batter.
Whisking Techniques
Whisk the eggs and vanilla together first before adding sour cream. This helps to create an even blend, which is crucial for a well-mixed batter.
Stirring the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Baking Time and Toothpick Test
Keep an eye on the baking time—20 minutes may vary based on your oven. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Making the Icing
Simmering the milk, butter, and vanilla before adding powdered sugar creates a smooth icing. Whisk continually to ensure there are no lumps.
Pouring Icing over Cake
Pour the icing over the cake while it is still hot for better absorption, which helps to create a moist cake with a rich flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of flour, but it may alter the texture and rise of the cake. Almond flour or whole wheat flour will give different results.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You may use plain yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute for sour cream in equal amounts.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, fruits, or spices such as cinnamon for added flavor. Just be mindful of how it may affect the baking time and texture.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
This delightful cake, with its rich flavor and smooth icing, is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sour cream and butter in the batter ensures a moist texture, while the simple icing brings a touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or served at a gathering, this cake is sure to please.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Carrot Cake
Incorporate grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the batter for a moist carrot cake. Top with cream cheese frosting instead of the traditional icing for a rich flavor.
Chocolate Cake
Add unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture to create a luscious chocolate cake. You can pair it with a chocolate ganache icing for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Cake
Fold in chopped fruits such as cherries, blueberries, or peaches into the batter for a fruity twist. Use a light icing to complement the fruit flavors.
Lemon Cake
Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the batter to create a refreshing lemon cake. A lemon glaze icing will enhance the citrus flavor beautifully.
Nutty Coffee Cake
Add ground coffee to the batter and top with a streusel mixture of flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Pair it with a light icing for a delightful breakfast or dessert option.
