Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):
- ¼ cup (60ml) condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or cashews)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy.
- Add and continue beating until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick.
- Stir in melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.