Quick Vanilla Cake
1 1/2 cup plain flour
1 tsp bicarb of soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
5 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup cold water
Preheat the oven to 180C.
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix wet in another. Pour combined wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well. Bake in 20cm pan for about 30-35 mins. (Cake will be done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.)
Variations:
# Chocolate: Add 3 Tbsp cocoa to the dry ingredients.
# Lemon: Add 1 Tbsp lemon zest to the wet ingredients and omit vanilla, or use 1 tsp lemon essence instead of zest. (Can also use lemon juice in place of some of the water.)
# Orange: Add 1 Tbsp orange zest to the wet ingredients and omit vanilla, or use 1 tsp orange essence instead of zest. (Can also use orange juice in place of some of the water.)
# Chai: Add 1 tsp chai spice to the dry mix.
# Cherry, Blueberry or Berry: Gently fold 1 cup frozen cherries or berries into the combined wet mix. Carefully pour into prepared pan.
# Streusel: Pour half the prepared mixture into pan, sprinkle evenly with streusel, top with remaining mixture. (For streusel: Combine 1/2 c brown sugar, 1/4 cup plain flour, 2 tsp cinnamon and 1 Tbsp oil or margarine; mix well.)
# Coffee: Replace water with strongly brewed coffee that has cooled.
This cake can also be baked in a muffin pan. Will take around 20 mins if mixture is evenly divided into 12 wells.
Recipe also doubles well if you want to make a large bundt cake. Cooking time when doubled is about 50-60 mins depending on the size of the pan and your oven.