Vanilla Cake Recipe
Vanilla Cake Recipe
Table of Contents
Vanilla Cake Recipe
This classic Vanilla Cake Recipe is a simple, delicious, and versatile dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Soft, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor, this cake is a great base for any frosting or decoration, making it ideal for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration. With just a few basic ingredients, you can easily bake this crowd pleaser that everyone will love.
Description
There’s something universally comforting about a moist, light vanilla cake. This Vanilla Cake Recipe gives you that perfect combination of rich flavor and a tender crumb. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pastry enthusiast, this recipe is simple to follow and will result in a cake that tastes as good as it looks.
What makes this vanilla cake stand out is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or even fruit for an added twist. The texture is soft but firm enough to hold up any kind of decoration. This cake is a fantastic starting point for creating custom cakes for any celebration, from birthdays to weddings to just an everyday treat.
The key to a perfect vanilla cake is using quality ingredients, especially real vanilla extract. This ensures the vanilla flavor really shines through. Additionally, making sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a smoother batter and a lighter, fluffier texture.
This vanilla cake recipe is also versatile in terms of its dietary adaptability. Whether you want to make it dairy free, gluten-free, or vegan, there are plenty of substitutions that can be made without compromising the flavor or texture of the cake. If you prefer a more robust vanilla flavor, you can even add a splash of vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a comforting dessert for any day of the week, this Vanilla Cake Recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require any complicated techniques, and always delivers the best results.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (preferably pure)
- ½ cup whole milk, at room temperature
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste for extra flavor depth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract (and vanilla bean paste if using), and beat until combined. - Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix. - Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. - Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting. - Frost and Serve
Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting (buttercream, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully). Slice and enjoy!
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Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract preferably pure
- ½ cup whole milk at room temperature
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste for extra flavor depth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract (and vanilla bean paste if using), and beat until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and Serve
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost with your favorite frosting (buttercream, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully). Slice and enjoy
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Flour Alternatives: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and the butter with dairy free margarine. Use a plant based milk like almond or oat milk in place of the whole milk.
- Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, you can add lemon zest, almond extract, or even cocoa powder for a marbled effect.
