Classic School Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic UK Treat

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That classic traybake, often served in schools across the UK, evokes memories of simpler times. This School Cake recipe, with its distinctive icing and sprinkles, is surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how to recreate this nostalgic treat. — Vivre Sa Vie Pleinement: Comment En Profiter

What is School Cake?

School cake is a simple sponge cake, typically baked in a large tray and cut into squares. What sets it apart is the thin layer of white icing, often flavored with a hint of lemon, and the generous scattering of colorful sprinkles. It's a budget-friendly and satisfying bake, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
  • 225g (8oz) caster sugar
  • 225g (8oz) softened butter or margarine
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Icing:
  • 200g (7oz) icing sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp water (or lemon juice)
  • Colorful sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Get Started: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/ Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a rectangular baking tin (approximately 9x13 inches).
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for a light and airy cake.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix together the icing sugar and water (or lemon juice) until you have a smooth, spreadable icing. Add more liquid if needed to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Ice and Decorate: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle generously with colorful sprinkles.
  9. Set and Serve: Allow the icing to set before cutting the cake into squares and serving.

Tips for the Perfect School Cake

  • Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened for easy creaming. If you forget to take it out of the fridge in advance, you can microwave it in short bursts, being careful not to melt it.
  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
  • Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cake batter for an extra citrusy flavor.
  • Variations: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or orange, for a unique twist.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Why This Recipe Works

This School Cake recipe is a reliable and straightforward way to recreate a beloved childhood treat. The simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The combination of the light, fluffy sponge, sweet icing, and colorful sprinkles is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s more than just a cake; it's a trip down memory lane. Why not bake a batch today and share the nostalgia? — From Rock To Soil: The Natural Transformation Explained

Enjoy this classic School Cake recipe and bring a little bit of British school days into your home! — Jason Bateman: Addressing Gay Rumors & His Real Life