Vanilla Cake – It’s simple yet indulgent, with its light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, this cake is the perfect balance between elegance and comfort layered with a velvety buttercream frosting or enjoyed plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why Vanilla Cake is a Timeless Favorite
Vanilla cake is the quintessential dessert loved for its soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor profile. It’s an incredibly versatile base for all kinds of toppings and frostings, making it a staple in the world of baking. Whether you prefer a classic buttercream frosting or a drizzle of chocolate ganache, vanilla cake pairs beautifully with nearly everything.
Ingredients for a Classic Vanilla Cake
The secret to a delicious vanilla cake lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake’s structure.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and stability.
- Milk: For a soft, moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: The star of the show! Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Vanilla Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps them blend seamlessly for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
- Invest in quality vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste will elevate the flavor.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Variations of Vanilla Cake
The beauty of vanilla cake lies in its adaptability. Here are some creative twists:
- Funfetti Vanilla Cake: Stir in colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Lemon Vanilla Cake: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Vanilla Almond Cake: Swap half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Vegan Vanilla Cake: Replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed and use plant-based milk.
How to Serve Vanilla Cake
Vanilla cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:
- Classic Buttercream Frosting: Whipped buttercream is a timeless pairing.
- Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream: Perfect for a light and refreshing dessert.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For a touch of decadence.
- Layered with Jam: Strawberry or raspberry jam adds a tangy contrast.
How to Store Vanilla Cake
Proper storage ensures your cake stays fresh and delicious:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Fridge: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Wrap individual slices or whole layers in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend.
How do I prevent my cake from being dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake it, and measure your ingredients accurately. Adding an extra tablespoon of milk can also help retain moisture.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! This recipe yields about 24 standard-sized cupcakes. Reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute with a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar (1 teaspoon of baking soda + 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar = 3 teaspoons of baking powder).
Vanilla Cake
Vanilla Cake - It’s simple yet indulgent, with its light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, this cake is the perfect balance between elegance and comfort layered with a velvety buttercream frosting or enjoyed plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain kefir), room temperature
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- Buttercream frosting (for the finishing touch!)
Instructions
- Prep Your Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9" cake pans, then tap out the excess flour.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed. - Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: On medium speed, add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake on the center rack for 28–30 minutes.
- Cool Down: Let cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, turn them out onto a wire rack, and cool completely.
- Frost and Enjoy: Once cooled, frost with your favorite vanilla buttercream and enjoy every decadent bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
14Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 322Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 90mgSodium 244mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Vanilla cake is a classic for a reason—its simplicity is its charm. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or a casual family dessert, this foolproof recipe will deliver soft, moist, and delicious results every time. With the tips, tricks, and variations shared here, you’re well on your way to becoming a vanilla cake expert. Happy baking!
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