A simple cake can be a source of so much joy and delight, especially in these trying times. There are few things that cheer me up like sitting in the kitchen while a cake bakes. The smells of the butter melting, of the flour absorbing moisture, and even that slight sulphury scent from eggs as they coagulate into a thick mass are calming to my soul. When the baking is complete, a beautiful little cake to share with friends and family will brighten their day, too.
These cakes are perfect for small gatherings or just a special treat at home on a dreary day. They’re easy to make, don’t require any special tools or pans, and are a great way to feed a crowd without wasting any leftovers. Plus, they’re a great way to show the people you care about just how much you love them, even if you don’t have any special occasion to celebrate.
Small cake also makes for a stunning wedding dessert, especially when adorned with fresh flowers, greenery, or fruit. These petite one- or two-tier cakes are ideal for a micro wedding, an at-home ceremony, or an intimate elopement. They’re also a good option for couples looking to lower costs and downplay some of the tradition surrounding wedding cakes while still enjoying the sweet celebration that they desire.
The first thing that happens when you make this small cake is to whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together until light, fluffy, and frothy. Then the oil and vanilla extract are added. Finally, the vinegar is added to thin out the batter a bit so it’s easier for the rest of the dry ingredients to mix in. Once everything is smooth and incorporated, half of the flour is added at a time. It’s important to stop mixing RIGHT when the dry ingredients are absorbed, as mixing any further could cause the cake to be tough or sink in the middle once baked.
To finish the cake, a bit of cocoa powder and espresso powder are added for flavor and texture. Then the batter is divvied into 4 prepared cake pans. Once the cakes are in the oven, they’ll bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s important to let the cakes cool before removing them from the pans.
I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s an easy and fun way to show the people you care about just exactly how much you love them. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe — leave me a comment below or tag @butternutbakery on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe to save it for later. Thanks for reading! 3 xoxoxo small cake