Delicious Baked Goods from a Simple Quartet: Flour, Sugar, Eggs, and Butter

With just flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, you can create a variety of delicious baked goods that satisfy a craving for a quick treat or a comforting meal. From fluffy pancakes to decadent pound cakes and shortbread, these ingredients form the base for countless recipes that can be customized to your taste. Below, we explore several ideas and provide recipes for a few unconventional creations that you can make with these essential ingredients.

Pancakes, Cookies, and More

Start with something simple, like pancakes. Combine these ingredients to make a simple pancake batter. Just add milk or water to get the right consistency if you have it. Eggs, sugar, butter, and flour come together to form a versatile dough that you can use for cookies. Mix the butter and sugar, add eggs and flour to form the dough. Bake until golden for a delicious batch of cookies. These basic recipes can serve as a foundation for adding any additional flavorings or ingredients to suit your taste.

Classic Cake: Pound Cake

For a tried and true classic, you can make a pound cake, which is made with equal parts of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. This cake, also known as Victoria sponge, can be an all-time favorite if done right. It’s essential to weigh the ingredients for precise equal measures. Here’s a detailed recipe:

Victoria Sponge

Ingredients:

8 oz (225 grams) softened unsalted butter 8 oz (225 grams) fine sugar (caster sugar or plain white cane sugar) 8 oz (225 grams) self-rising or all-purpose flour (use all-purpose if you don’t have self-rising, but you may need to add a tablespoon of baking powder per cup of flour) 2-4 eggs (weight should be 8 oz for a rich texture)

Instructions:

For the all-in-one method, dump all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until just mixed, or: Beat the butter and sugar together, then add the eggs one by one, folding in the flour gently until just mixed. Pour the batter into two buttered and floured cake tins. I like to use parchment paper on the bottom and butter it as well. Bake for 22-28 minutes in a 325-degree oven until risen and golden. Cool the cakes in the pans for about 5 minutes, then gently tap them out. Serve the cakes sandwiched between your favorite jams, cream fillings, or simply dusted with powdered sugar.

Unusual Baked Goods: Dumplings and Crepes

Beyond the familiar, you can create some unusual yet delicious baked goods. For instance, you can make dumplings (which I call sinkers) with these ingredients. Just cut butter into the flour and sugar, then mix in the eggs until you have a thick batter. Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into a pot of boiling liquid and cook for about 20 minutes. These dumplings are perfect with chicken soup or beef stew, but you can also serve them as a dessert with fruit sauce, butter, and honey.

Alternatively, you can make crepes. Whisk the ingredients together to make a thin batter, then cook in a skillet for delicious crepes. These delicate pancakes are versatile and can be filled with your favorite sweet or savory fillings.

Conclusion

The beauty of using just flour, sugar, eggs, and butter lies in the endless possibilities. These simple ingredients form the basis for so many beloved baked goods, from classic cakes and cookies to unconventional treats like sinkers and crepes. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast options or sweet dessert offerings, these ingredients are your go-to choice for creating delicious treats.