This recipe is easy and tastes so good.  It is great for preteens because they learn the importance of sifting the flour to get the moisture out and to create a spongier cake, they learn to add dry ingredients together before adding to the wet and feel SO accomplished when they cool the cake, frost it and decorate it with cute sprinkles!  I suggest for 8-12 years old that you make the vanilla frosting or buy already made frosting so that they don't feel too overwhelmed.  Enjoy!

•       1 c. granulated sugar
•       1/2 c. butter
•       2 eggs
•       1 tsp vanilla extract
•       1 tsp lemon extract
•       1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
•       1 3/4 tsp baking powder
•       1/2 c. milk

          various sprinkles to have fun decorating with!

      Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

   1. Grease and flour a 9x9 inch pan or line a muffin pan with paper liners.
   2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter.
   3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
   4.Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
   5. Stir in the milk until batter is smooth.
   6. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared pan.
   7. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
   8. For cupcakes, bake 20 to 25 minutes.
   9. Cake is done when it springs back to the touch.
  10. Allow to cool 30 minutes and frost with vanilla or cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy!