Best Thing to Bake

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth.
Beat in the large egg along with the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
If you’d like, gently fold in chocolate chips or nuts for an extra delicious element.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let it cool before cutting it into squares for serving.

Best ways to enjoy it

Consider serving this delightful bake warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. You could also sprinkle a little icing sugar on top for a more elegant presentation. Not to mention, a cup of coffee or tea would complement this treat beautifully, turning your snack into a mini dessert experience!

Keeping leftovers fresh

To keep your leftover delights tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll last for about three days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them! Portion into squares, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pro chef tips

Make sure your butter is softened before you begin mixing to ensure a smooth blend with the sugar.
Be careful not to overmix once you combine your wet and dry ingredients; this will help maintain a tender texture.
For an added flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving or adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.

Creative twists

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider mixing in some creative ingredients! Try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor. You could substitute part of the flour with whole wheat for added health benefits. For a fun twist, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, aromatic profile. Changing up the chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips can also yield delicious results.

Your questions answered

How long does this recipe take to prepare?

The active preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the baking will take 25-30 minutes. Including cooling time, it should take around an hour before you can enjoy your creation!

Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have something on hand?

Absolutely! If you’re short on all-purpose flour, you can try a gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour. For the sugar, you could use coconut sugar or a similar granulated sweetener, though this may affect the final texture slightly.

Is it safe to store leftovers?

Yes, storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature is perfectly safe for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual pieces!