Easiest Vanilla Cake

I had one of 6 year old's friends come over for a play date two days back. That kid is very much interested in helping in the kitchen just like my younger one. My 6 year old doesn't want to do anything with kitchen except eat. So, to keep them busy, I just asked "Do you want to help me bake something?". Answer was not one yes but two. One from my younger one and one from the friend. I wanted something very simple for them to do and this was indeed perfect for them. I did the measuring, final mixing and pouring the batter into the pan myself. But whisking, stirring and all was done by the duo of girls aged 6 and 4. So, if you are a beginner, this is the perfect cake to try.

One year back -  Sweet Ricotta Loaf
Ingredients:
All purpose flour - 3 cups
Sugar - 2 cups
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Baking Soda - 1 tsp
Baking Powder - 1/2 tsp
Buttermilk - 1 1/2 cups (I used thinned yogurt)
Oil - 1 cup
Vanilla - 1 TBSP
Eggs - 2 large

For the glaze: (optional)
Cream Cheese - 4 Oz (1/2 the standard block) I used 1/3 fat cheese at room temperature
Confectioner's sugar - 4 TBSP or more per taste
Milk - 2 TBSP or as needed
Vanilla - 1/4 tsp

Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 F (I baked mine at 325 F since I was using a dark colored pan). This batter is enough for a 10" bundt pan or tube pan. Or use two 9 X 5 loaf pans. Grease the pan with vegetable oil spray and flour or use shortening and flour. Set aside. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar. Set aside. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. I actually mixed the liquid in a 4 cup measuring cup. Start with 1 cup oil, top it off with 1 1/2 cups buttermilk. Crack two eggs into the measuring cup and whisk them all together. Stir in vanilla. Now mix the liquid into the dry ingredients. Stir till everything is combined. Try not to over mix. Folding is the best way to go here. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 - 55 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn on to the wire rack to cool completely. You can make 24 cupcakes out of this. In that case bake for 20 - 24 minutes. I don't see why this cake can't be baked in 2 8" round pans and stacked. I don't know how tall cake you will get, but should be easily able to make this into a layer cake.

For the glaze: Mix all the ingredients mentioned in the for the glaze section till creamy. When the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze.

Enjoy.