If you are wondering what to do with a bag of flour, some sugar, and eggs, then you have come to the right place. With these three basic ingredients, you can create a wide range of delicious baked goods that are perfect for any occasion.
1. Classic Vanilla Cake
One of the most versatile cakes you can make is a classic vanilla cake. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings, and can be customized with a variety of frostings and fillings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before frosting and decorating as desired.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these classic treats in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Lemon Bars
If you are in the mood for something tangy and sweet, then lemon bars are the perfect dessert for you. With a buttery crust and a tart lemon filling, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar.
- Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is light golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
- Let the lemon bars cool completely before cutting them into squares and dusting them with powdered sugar.
4. Pancakes
Who says you can only eat pancakes for breakfast? These fluffy cakes are perfect for any time of day and can be customized with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Using a 1/4 cup measure, pour the pancake batter onto the skillet or griddle.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the pancakes hot with your choice of toppings.
5. Pound Cake
If you are looking for a simple yet delicious cake recipe, then pound cake is the way to go. This dense, buttery cake is perfect on its own or served with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until just combined.
- Add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
While self-raising flour can be used in some baked goods, it is not recommended for these particular recipes. The ratios of the other ingredients are specifically formulated for all-purpose flour, and using self-raising flour could result in an undesirable texture or taste.
It is possible to substitute other sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, for granulated sugar in some recipes. However, it is important to note that this can alter the texture and taste of the final product, so it may take some experimentation to find the right balance.
Yes, most of these baked goods can be frozen for later consumption. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
There are a few ways to make these recipes healthier, such as using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar. However, it is important to note that these changes can also affect the texture and taste of the final product, so it may take some experimentation to find the right balance.
Absolutely! These recipes serve as a great base for experimenting with other flavors and textures. Just be sure to adjust the ratios of the other ingredients as needed to accommodate for any additions.
Conclusion
With just flour, sugar, and eggs, you can create a variety of delicious baked goods that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or savory, there is a recipe out there that is perfect for you. So go ahead and get baking – the possibilities are endless!
