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Ingredients
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Base
Flavor Add-ins (choose or combine up to 3)
Inclusions (optional)
Topping / Finish (optional)
Method
Base
- 1
Prepare oven and pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a small overhang for easy removal.
- 2
Dry mix
In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt until evenly combined.
- 3
Wet mix
In a separate bowl whisk together 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
- 4
Combine wet and dry
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; a few small lumps are okay. Do not overmix or gluten will toughen the final product.
Flavor Add-ins
- 5
Incorporate chosen flavors
If using cocoa powder to make a chocolate base: whisk 1/2 cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients before adding wet. For lemon or herbs: fold in 1 tablespoon lemon zest or 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs into the wet mixture. For cinnamon or espresso: whisk 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into the dry mix. Adjust amounts to taste but stick to chosen combination of up to three add-ins.
Inclusions
- 6
Prepare inclusions
If using berries, toss 1 cup fresh berries with 1 teaspoon flour to prevent sinking. If using chopped nuts, toast briefly in a dry skillet until fragrant (2–3 minutes) and cool. If using chocolate chips or dried fruit, measure ahead.
- 7
Fold into batter
Gently fold your chosen inclusions (up to a combined 1 to 1 1/2 cups) into the finished batter until just distributed. Avoid overfolding to keep batter airy.
Bake and finish
- 8
Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–35 minutes for an 8x8-inch pan, or 30–40 minutes for a 9-inch round, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
- 9
- 10
Finish and serve
Brush the top lightly with 1 tablespoon softened butter if desired. Dust with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, or sprinkle a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) coarse sea salt over chocolate versions to enhance flavor. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.