Easy School Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat
Dive into a delightful trip down memory lane with this easy school cake recipe. Simple to make and utterly delicious, this classic treat is perfect for baking with kids or simply indulging in a nostalgic moment. Let’s get started!
What is School Cake?
School cake, also known as sprinkle cake or traybake, is a simple sponge cake topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles. It’s a beloved dessert that many remember from their school days, bringing back fond memories of lunch breaks and after-school treats.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these in your pantry.
- Quick to Make: From mixing to baking, it’s ready in under an hour.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and easy recipe to get the little ones involved.
- Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy sponge with a sweet, crackly icing.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you need to recreate this classic bake:
For the Cake:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 250g (2 cups) icing sugar
- 3-4 tbsp water
- Colorful sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line a rectangular baking tray (approximately 9x13 inches).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well combined.
- Fold in Flour: Gradually fold in the self-raising flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray before icing.
- Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix the icing sugar with water until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Ice and Sprinkle: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
- Set and Serve: Allow the icing to set slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips for the Perfect School Cake
- Soft Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened to achieve a light and fluffy cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips for a chocolatey version.
Serving Suggestions
School cake is perfect on its own with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also great for:
- Lunchboxes
- Parties
- After-school snacks
Call to Action
Ready to bake your own school cake? Gather your ingredients and follow our easy recipe for a trip down memory lane. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!
Enjoy this delightful and easy school cake recipe. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a smile to everyone’s face!