Vanilla Cake Recipe
Indulge in the classic flavors of a homemade vanilla cake! This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a moist and fluffy cake that’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert at home. With its rich vanilla aroma and luscious frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Follow the steps below to bake your own delicious vanilla cake and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Servings and Cooking Time
This vanilla cake recipe yields 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a standard slice size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a nutty flavor. You can also replace butter with vegetable oil for a lighter texture.
Serving and Pairings
This vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a great base for layered cakes with various fillings.
Storage and Reheating
Store the vanilla cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or warm it in the oven at a low temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Skipping the creaming step will result in a less fluffy cake.
- Opening the oven door too early can cause the cake to sink.
- Using cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing.
Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For enhanced flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Add a pinch of baking soda for extra fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture. Just adjust the quantity slightly as cake flour is more absorbent.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just frost it closer to serving time.
What frosting works best with vanilla cake?
Classic buttercream frosting complements vanilla cake beautifully, but cream cheese frosting is also a tasty option.
Can I add flavors to the vanilla cake?
Yes, you can incorporate lemon zest, cocoa powder, or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
This vanilla cake recipe is a timeless classic that is simple yet delicious. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and flavor. With the right techniques and tips, you can create a stunning cake that will impress friends and family alike. Happy baking!
Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
