Quick Four-Quarters Cake

Bake a Delightful Four-Quarters Cake with the Family

Looking for an effortlessly simple and utterly delicious dessert that the kids can help create? The classic four-quarters cake, also known as a pound cake, is the perfect answer. This recipe yields a wonderfully soft and moist cake, making it an ideal accompaniment to a warming mug of hot chocolate or a refreshing glass of milk, perfect for that mid-afternoon snack. The Ptitchef team has put this recipe through its paces, and we can confirm it's a guaranteed hit!

This recipe is not only straightforward but also requires just a few common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s a fantastic way to introduce young bakers to the joy of creating something from scratch, fostering a sense of accomplishment and, of course, enjoying the delicious fruits of their labour.

Essential Ingredients for Your Four-Quarters Cake:

To achieve that perfect, tender crumb, you'll need the following:

• 3 large eggs
• 150 grams of granulated sugar
• 150 grams of plain flour
• 150 grams of unsalted butter
• 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
• 1 sachet of baking powder
• A generous pinch of salt

Necessary Equipment:

While the ingredient list is simple, having the right tools makes the process even smoother. You will primarily need:

• A standard loaf pan

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Bliss:

Follow these easy steps to create your homemade four-quarters cake:

Step 1: The Sweet Foundation

Begin by taking your three eggs and placing them in a mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and the vanilla sugar to the bowl. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy. This initial step helps to dissolve the sugar and incorporate a little air, which contributes to the cake's light texture.

Step 2: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients

Next, it’s time to introduce the dry components. Sift the plain flour into the same bowl. Alongside the flour, add the baking powder and the pinch of salt. Gently mix these ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you just want to combine everything until no dry flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 3: The Richness of Butter

Now for the ingredient that gives the four-quarters cake its signature richness and moisture: butter. Melt your 150 grams of butter. You can do this either in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Once melted and slightly cooled, pour the melted butter into the cake batter. Stir gently until it is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, homogenous batter.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, and perhaps dusting it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the loaf pan. Place the pan into a preheated oven set at 180°C (350°F). Allow the cake to bake for approximately 40 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness. A skewer or toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean when it’s ready.

Step 5: The Glorious Reveal

Once baked, carefully remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to firm up, making it easier to handle.

And there you have it! Your beautifully baked, homemade four-quarters cake is ready to be enjoyed. Its simple elegance makes it a versatile treat, perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a more formal tea time.

Other Simple Baking Delights You Might Enjoy:

If you found this recipe a joy to make, you might also be interested in exploring these other straightforward and delightful bakes:

• Simple and Quick Apricot Cake: A fruity and moist cake that’s incredibly easy to whip up.
• Parsley Butter (Beurre Maître d'Hôtel) - Simple and Quick: While not a cake, this herb butter is a fantastic accompaniment to many dishes and is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Bread Pudding (Simple and Quick): A comforting and classic dessert that’s a brilliant way to use up leftover bread.