Cakes. Recipe

History of Cakes:

Cakes have been enjoyed by people for centuries. The origins of cake can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Rome, where sweetened breads were made using ingredients such as honey, nuts, and fruits. Cakes were initially baked on hot stones and eventually, metal pans were used. As time went on, different regions around the world developed their own unique cake recipes and techniques.

In medieval Europe, cakes were often made for special occasions such as weddings or religious celebrations. They were typically dense and rich, as sugar was a luxury ingredient at the time. It wasn't until the 18th century when refined sugar became more accessible, that cakes started to become lighter and sweeter.

The advent of baking powder in the 19th century revolutionized the world of cake making, as it allowed for the easy creation of light and fluffy cakes. This led to the popularity of layer cakes and intricate cake decorating techniques.

Today, cakes are enjoyed in various forms and flavors all over the world. From simple butter cakes to elaborate multi-tiered creations, there is a cake for every occasion. The recipe below is a classic cake recipe that can be adapted to suit different flavors and fillings.

Classic Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, you can frost and decorate the cakes as desired.

Fun Facts about Cakes:

1. The world's largest cake weighed 128,238 pounds! It was made in Italy in 2011.
2. The most expensive cake ever made was valued at $35 million and was decorated with diamonds and other precious gemstones.
3. The tradition of wedding cakes dates back to ancient Rome, where the groom would break a loaf of bread over the bride's head to symbolize fertility.
4. The tallest cake ever made was over 30 feet tall! It was created in Indonesia in 2017.
5. The first recorded recipe for a cake-like dessert was found in an ancient Egyptian tomb.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Cupcakes: Cupcakes are essentially small, individual cakes that are baked in cupcake liners. They can be flavored and decorated in various ways and are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat.

2. Angel Food Cake: Angel food cake is a light and airy cake made from egg whites, sugar, and flour. It is typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze.

3. Pound Cake: Pound cake is a dense and buttery cake that gets its name from the traditional recipe, which calls for a pound of each ingredient (butter, sugar, flour, and eggs). Pound cake is often enjoyed plain or with a simple glaze.

4. Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake is a popular cake known for its rich, moist texture and vibrant red color. It is often paired with a cream cheese frosting and is a staple in Southern cuisine.

5. Chocolate Cake: Chocolate cake is a classic favorite that comes in many forms, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or German chocolate. It can be enjoyed plain, with frosting, or with a decadent ganache.