Hey there, fellow dessert aficionados! Today, we're diving into the delightful world of Soft Cake Bars. These little squares of heaven are a perfect blend of soft, tender cake and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is designed to be a piece of cake (pun intended). So, let's roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients:
Before we get started, let's gather our ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup your choice of add-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruits, or anything your heart desires)
- Confectioners' sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Your Flavor Twist:
This is where you can get creative. Fold in your choice of add-ins – chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or a combination of all three!
7. Spread the Batter:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Slice:
Allow your Soft Cake Bar to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.
10. Optional Dusting:
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can dust the top of your Soft Cake Bar with confectioners' sugar before slicing.
11. Enjoy Your Creation:
Finally, it's time to savor your homemade Soft Cake Bars. Whether it's a cozy afternoon treat with tea or a sweet ending to a meal, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
Soft Cake Bars are all about simplicity and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to make them uniquely yours. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any day of the week. Now, go ahead and whip up a batch – your taste buds will thank you! For the full recipe, check out the source [here](https://u-taste.com/blogs/recipes/soft-cake-bar).
