Introduction
Picture this: You’re surrounded by loved ones, the air smells sweet, and a warm, golden vanilla cake rests on the table, waiting to be sliced. The soft and fluffy texture of the cake, paired with the comforting aroma of vanilla, makes it the perfect dessert for almost any occasion. From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this classic vanilla cake recipe is a must-try. Today, we’re going to show you how to make the simplest, best, and most delicious vanilla cake that will have everyone coming back for more.
The Appeal of Vanilla Cake
Why is vanilla cake so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. While it may not be as flashy as chocolate or layered with intricate ingredients, vanilla cake shines because of its pure, sweet taste and versatility. You can pair it with almost any frosting, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re new to baking or an expert in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Classic Vanilla Cake
Description: This soft, fluffy, and flavorful vanilla cake is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per slice
Ingredients List vanilla cake recipe
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes) using an electric mixer. This process incorporates air into the butter, giving your cake its fluffy texture. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix. - Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Once cool, frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure that your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can substitute the whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love This vanilla cake recipe
- Quick and Easy: This vanilla cake recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone short on time but still wanting a homemade treat.
- Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients used in this recipe are basic pantry staples, making this vanilla cake both affordable and accessible.
- Versatile: This vanilla cake works beautifully as a base for many different frostings, from classic buttercream to fresh whipped cream, or even fruit toppings. You can customize it for any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its light texture and delicate flavor, this cake is loved by both children and adults, making it the ideal choice for family gatherings or celebrations.
vanilla cake recipe ingredients and Substitutions
Flour
- All-purpose flour is essential for a light, tender cake. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Butter
- Unsalted butter provides the rich, buttery flavor essential in this vanilla cake. You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to maintain the right flavor balance.
Eggs
- Eggs help provide structure and moisture to the cake. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or use egg replacers like aquafaba (chickpea brine) in the same quantity.
Vanilla Extract
- Pure vanilla extract offers a natural and aromatic flavor. For a more intense vanilla flavor, try vanilla bean paste or even scrape out the seeds from a real vanilla bean pod.
Milk
- Whole milk is ideal for this cake, but you can substitute it with plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Make vanilla cake recipe (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans
To get the best results, start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will prevent your cake from sticking once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together until evenly distributed. This ensures that the baking powder activates properly and provides an even rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, creating a soft and light texture in your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
After the butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat until everything is smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture to help prevent overmixing. Gently fold everything together until just combined—this ensures a light, airy cake texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Now it’s time to bake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on your cake, as oven temperatures can vary slightly. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once the cake layers are baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Frost with your favorite frosting, and your vanilla cake is ready to serve!
Expert Tips for Success vanilla cake recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and affect the texture of your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Test with a Toothpick: To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Variations and Customizations for vanilla cake recipe
This classic vanilla cake is easily adaptable. Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:
- Add Lemon or Almond Extract: For a different flavor twist, try adding a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to the batter.
- Go Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk to make a delicious vegan vanilla cake.
- Decorate with Fruit: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can be added to the top for a fruity, colorful touch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for vanilla cake recipe
- Storage: Store leftover vanilla cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: This vanilla cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: If you’ve frozen the cake, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Serving Suggestions vanilla cake recipe
This vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Fresh berries for a tangy contrast
- A cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)about vanilla cake recipe
How to make vanilla cake from scratch?
Making vanilla cake from scratch is easy! Just follow this recipe, and you’ll have a fresh, homemade vanilla cake with minimal ingredients and effort.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour for all-purpose flour. It will give your cake an even lighter texture. If you do this, you may want to decrease the amount of flour by about ¼ cup to prevent the cake from being too dense.
How do I make my vanilla cake more moist?
To make a moist vanilla cake, ensure that you’re using full-fat ingredients like whole milk and butter. Adding a little extra sugar can also help retain moisture.
Related Recipes vanilla cake recipe
If you love this vanilla cake recipe, you might also enjoy these treats:
- Classic Chocolate Cake
- Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Strawberry Shortcake
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, classic vanilla cake recipe that’s sure to be a hit every time! It’s quick to make, deliciously fluffy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this vanilla cake is the perfect choice. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you won’t regret it!