Creaming of butter and sugar is a frequently used technique in baking to create a 'light and fluffly' cake, so its important not to overlook this step in recipes. By beating the butter and sugar together air is incorporated (a useful leavening agent in cakes). When starting this process ensure that the butter is at room temperature to make it easier to cream with the sugar. Have a practice with Alfred Prasad's love cake or William Drabble's victoria sponge cupcakes.