Cooking with kids is one of the most delightful experiences a parent or caregiver can have! There’s just something magical about seeing their little faces light up when they pour, mix, and create. I remember the first time I baked with my niece—flour went everywhere, and we ended up with more laughter than batter in the bowl! This recipe is one of my go-to recipes for kids because it’s simple, fun, and perfect for little hands to help out. Not only do they get to learn valuable kitchen skills, but they also get to enjoy the sweet rewards of their hard work. Plus, the excitement in their eyes when they see what they’ve created is absolutely priceless. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe invites kids to unleash their creativity while developing a love for cooking. Join me in making this delicious treat together, and I promise it will be a memorable experience filled with smiles, delicious smells, and maybe a little bit of playful chaos!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

These ingredients come together to create a light and fluffy treat that’s perfect for little hands to help with! If you’re looking to make this recipe fit different dietary needs, don’t worry—there are plenty of easy swaps you can make! Just keep reading to find out more.

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious treat together! I promise it’s straightforward and perfect for little chefs to join in. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the batter rise beautifully, giving you that fluffy texture we all love.
2. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients. Mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Don’t forget to whisk it well—this gets all those ingredients nicely blended!
3. Now, in another bowl, we’re going to mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of melted butter (let it cool a bit so it won’t cook the eggs), 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I love the smell of vanilla—it’s like a warm hug for your baking!
4. Next, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now for the fun part: stir gently until everything is just combined. You might see a few lumps—that’s okay! We don’t want to overmix it, or the texture won’t be as light and fluffy.
5. Now, let’s prepare our baking pan! Grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. I usually use a 9×9-inch square pan, but you could also use a round cake pan or whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s well-greased to avoid any sticking!
6. Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy—that’s a sign of homemade goodness!
7. Pop your pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. How exciting is that?
8. Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time is important because it helps set the cake and makes it easier to cut later.
9. Finally, let’s slice it up and enjoy! You can serve it warm or let it cool completely and store it for later. Trust me, it’s just as delicious either way!

Cooking with kids is all about the experience, so don’t stress if things get a little messy. That’s part of the fun! Just enjoy the time spent together and the sweet treat at the end.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare—ready in just about 50 minutes, including bake time!
• Kid-friendly and easy for little hands to help with every step.
• Versatile—perfect base to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruits.
• Simple ingredients—most are probably already in your pantry!
• Great for any occasion—whether it’s a snack, dessert, or a fun baking day.
• Encourages creativity and teamwork in the kitchen, making lasting memories.
• Easy to customize for different dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free.

Tips for Success

Making this recipe a hit is all about a few simple tips that will set you and your little chefs up for success! Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

• Measure Accurately: It’s super important to measure your ingredients accurately. I always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts. Kids can help scoop and pour, making it a fun learning experience!
• Check for Doneness: To know when your cake is ready, use the toothpick test—insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Super easy!
• Let Kids Get Involved: Encourage your kids to take charge of some steps. They can whisk the eggs, mix the batter, or even help with pouring into the pan. It boosts their confidence and makes baking even more fun!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remind your kids that a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want it to be light and fluffy.
• Use Oven Mitts: Safety first! Make sure your little ones understand the importance of using oven mitts when taking things in and out of the oven. It’s a great time to teach them about kitchen safety!
• Have Fun with It: If things get a little messy, don’t worry! That’s a part of the joy of cooking together. Just embrace the chaos and laughter—it’s all about making memories!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious treat that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s talk about some of the ingredients in this recipe and how you can easily swap them out to fit dietary needs or preferences. I love that this recipe is so flexible!

• All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that can be used as a 1:1 replacement—this will help keep the texture nice and fluffy!
• Milk: For those who are dairy-free or lactose intolerant, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can make excellent substitutes. They all work beautifully in this recipe, so choose whichever one you prefer!
• Butter: If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well in place of butter. Just melt it down and use it just like you would butter. It adds a lovely hint of coconut flavor too!
• Sugar: If you want to reduce refined sugar, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and flavor.
• Eggs: For a vegan alternative, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Just mix it ahead of time and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken!
• Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter. Just make sure to adjust the sugar slightly if you’re adding sweet ingredients like chocolate.

These substitutions make it easy to adapt the recipe to suit everyone’s needs while still delivering a delicious treat. So go ahead, mix it up, and enjoy the fun of baking together!

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are some fun and simple variations you can try to mix things up and keep your little chefs excited:

• Chocolate Chip Delight: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat that’s sure to please any chocolate lover. You can even use mini chocolate chips for a fun twist!
• Fruity Fun: Toss in 1 cup of fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or diced bananas. This adds a pop of flavor and color, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
• Spice It Up: For a cozy, spiced flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It’ll fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma!
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. Just make sure there are no nut allergies in your group!
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter before baking. Just swirl it gently with a knife for a deliciously gooey surprise in each bite!
• Rainbow Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add a handful of colorful sprinkles to the batter. This is especially fun for birthdays or special occasions!

Feel free to get creative with these variations! The sky’s the limit, and the best part is that your kids can help choose their favorite mix-ins. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this delightful treat, based on the ingredients used. Keep in mind that the values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredients you choose, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:

• Calories: Approximately 200 per piece
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g

This information is just an estimate, but it gives you an idea of the deliciousness you’re about to enjoy! With a treat like this, it’s all about balance, so enjoy it as part of a lovely baking day with your kids.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have this delicious treat ready, let’s talk about how to make it even more special when serving! I love to think about what pairs well with it to create a delightful experience for everyone. Here are some fun ideas:

• Fresh Fruits: Serve slices of your yummy creation with a side of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas. The sweetness of the fruits complements the cake beautifully and adds a refreshing touch!
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top is always a hit! It adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the fluffy cake. You can even sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for an extra flair.
• Iced Milk or Creamy Milkshakes: For a fun beverage, try serving it with a tall glass of cold milk or a homemade milkshake. Kids love it, and it makes for a classic combination that’s hard to beat!
• Ice Cream: If you want to take it up a notch, serve a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside. The warm cake with cold ice cream is pure bliss, especially on a sunny day!
• Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate or caramel sauce over the top gives it a decadent touch. It’s a great way to add more flavor and excitement for a special treat!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have at home or what your kids love. The goal is to make serving this treat a fun and enjoyable experience, so get creative and enjoy every bite together!

FAQ Section

Can I store the leftovers?
Absolutely! Once the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week, but I doubt it will last that long because it’s so delicious!

What if I need to make it dairy-free?
No problem at all! You can easily swap out the milk for almond milk or any other dairy-free milk of your choice. For the butter, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. It will still turn out wonderfully!

How can I get my kids more involved?
Let them take charge of simple tasks like measuring ingredients, whisking the eggs, or pouring the batter into the pan. Kids love being hands-on in the kitchen, and it’s a fantastic way to teach them about cooking!

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

What other mix-ins can I use?
The possibilities are endless! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you’re adding sweet ingredients!

Comforting Recipes for Kids: 5 Easy and Fun Ideas

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and fun recipe for kids to enjoy while cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Grease a baking pan and pour the batter into it.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let it cool before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
• For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and coconut oil.
• Add chocolate chips or fruits for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: recipes for kids