Oh, the joy of baking with kids! There’s something truly magical about gathering in the kitchen, flour flying, and laughter mixing with the sweet aroma of baked goods. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for families looking to create fun memories together while whipping up something tasty. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on their faces as they help mix, pour, and, of course, sneak a taste along the way! This recipe falls under the umbrella of kids friendly recipes, making it easy for little hands to join in on the fun, and it’s a fantastic way to encourage their creativity. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them about measuring, mixing, and the science of baking. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into a delightful experience that will leave you with a scrumptious treat and cherished moments with your loved ones!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, so let’s be clear about what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and fluffy dessert that kids will love. Don’t worry if you don’t have unsalted butter; you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in your recipe. And if you’re looking to make it dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil and use almond milk instead. The possibilities are endless!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious dessert! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First thing’s first, we need to get our oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures our batter bakes evenly and rises beautifully. You wouldn’t want to put your batter in a cold oven, or it might not cook properly, leading to a dense texture. So, let that oven warm up while we mix our ingredients!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Using a whisk or a fork, mix them together until they’re well combined. This is a great time for the kids to help out! Just make sure they don’t make too much of a mess—although, a little flour on their noses is always cute! Mixing these dry ingredients well helps activate the baking powder evenly when we add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients. In the same bowl, add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Give everything a good mix with a hand mixer or a whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This part is so satisfying! Just keep mixing until you can’t see any of the dry ingredients peeking through. Trust me, the smoother the batter, the fluffier the cake!
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
While you’re mixing, you can also prepare your baking dish. Grease it with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Make sure to cover the bottom and sides well. No one wants their delicious creation to stick! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even line the bottom with parchment paper for extra safety.
Step 5: Bake the Recipe
Pour your lovely batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now, it’s time to bake! Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remember to keep an eye on it; ovens can sometimes be tricky!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your dish from the oven and let it cool for a bit—about 10 to 15 minutes is perfect. This cooling time is essential because it helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut into slices. When it’s cool enough to handle, slice it up and serve! You can enjoy it plain, or dress it up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or fresh fruit. The kids will love customizing their pieces!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful dessert! Each slice is estimated to contain the following values:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. This information is based on a serving size of one slice, so if you’re cutting your cake into larger or smaller pieces, the nutrition will adjust accordingly. It’s a sweet treat that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation, especially when made together with your little ones!
Tips for Success
To make this recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up over the years. First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and contributes to a fluffier texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t mix well, and we don’t want that!
Next, don’t skip the preheating step. An oven that’s fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) ensures even baking, so your dessert rises beautifully. While you wait, it’s a great time to get your little helpers involved in measuring and mixing!
Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. If you notice the top getting too brown, you can gently cover it with aluminum foil. These little tips will guarantee a delightful outcome, making your baking adventure even more enjoyable!
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful twist. The chocolate will melt and create gooey pockets of goodness that kids will absolutely adore!
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in some fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, chopped strawberries, or mashed bananas. They not only add natural sweetness but also a lovely burst of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar slightly if using very sweet fruits.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. This keeps the recipe delicious while accommodating those with dairy sensitivities.
- Nutty Addition: If your family enjoys nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. They add a nice crunch and additional nutrition!
- Spiced Version: For a warm flavor, sprinkle in some cinnamon or pumpkin spice. This is especially delightful in the fall and adds a cozy touch to your baked treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free alternative, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it has a proper binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help with texture.
Feel free to get creative! Experimenting with different flavors and ingredients makes baking even more fun, and it’s a great opportunity to see what your kids enjoy most. Who knows? You might discover a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy families. You’ll be enjoying your treat in no time!
- Ease of Baking: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe. It’s a great way to boost confidence in the kitchen!
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The sweet and fluffy cake appeals to kids of all ages. Plus, they can help customize their servings with toppings or mix-ins!
- Family Bonding: Baking together creates cherished memories and encourages kids to learn valuable skills in a fun environment. It’s a delightful way to spend quality time!
- Endless Variations: The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients and create different flavor profiles, keeping things exciting for your family!
- Delicious Results: You’ll be left with a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious creation, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. No worries—you can keep your cake fresh and tasty for later! To store, simply place any leftover slices in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out and keeps them delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you have more than you can eat within that time, you can also refrigerate them, which will extend their life for about a week.
If you want to keep your cake for an even longer period, consider freezing it! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy your treat for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat if you enjoy it cold—though if you prefer it warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave should do the trick without losing its fluffy texture. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might become a bit dry. Enjoy your delicious moments again!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may create a denser texture, so you might want to combine it with a bit of all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Great question! The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can! This cake keeps well, so you can make it a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to bake it even further in advance, feel free to freeze it as mentioned earlier—perfect for quick snacks or treats!
What can I do if I don’t have vanilla extract?
No vanilla extract? No problem! You can replace it with almond extract for a slightly different flavor. Alternatively, you could just omit it altogether, and the cake will still turn out delicious!
Is this recipe suitable for a birthday cake?
Absolutely! This recipe makes a lovely base for a birthday cake. Just double the ingredients to make a larger cake, and feel free to decorate it with frosting, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for a festive touch. It’s sure to be a hit at any celebration!

Kids Friendly Recipes: 5 Heartwarming Treats to Bake Together
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe that kids will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add the butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Add chocolate chips or fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: kids friendly recipes, easy baking, dessert for kids