Vanilla Cake Recipe: Vanilla cake is a classic favorite, beloved for its simplicity, soft texture, and versatility. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a casual afternoon snack, a well-made vanilla cake can be the perfect treat.
While many people buy vanilla cakes from bakeries, making one from scratch at home adds a personal touch and lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more delicious result.
This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to bake a moist, fluffy vanilla cake that will leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients Needed for Vanilla Cake
To make the perfect vanilla cake, it’s important to use the right ingredients in precise measurements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
- Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups
- Butter (unsalted, softened) – 1 cup
- Eggs – 4 large
- Milk – 1 cup
- Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon
Choosing high-quality ingredients, especially fresh eggs, real vanilla extract, and unsalted butter, can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Using room temperature ingredients is also crucial, as it helps the batter come together smoothly.
Equipment and Tools Required
Here’s a list of tools you’ll need for this recipe:
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients
- Electric mixer or stand mixer – essential for creaming the butter and sugar
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements
- Sifter – to sift the flour and other dry ingredients
- Spatula – for folding the batter and scraping down the sides of the bowl
- 8 or 9-inch round cake pans – ideally two for a layered cake
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking
- Cooling rack – helps the cake cool evenly
Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process and helps achieve a consistent result.
Preparing Your Baking Space
Before you start, it’s a good idea to prepare your baking space. This includes:
- Cleaning your kitchen countertop and organizing your tools and ingredients.
- Pre-measuring all ingredients so you can easily add them at each step without any delay.
- Setting up the oven rack in the middle position, as this provides the most even baking conditions for cakes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vanilla Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because an oven that isn’t fully preheated can result in uneven baking and affect the cake’s rise. By setting the oven to the right temperature early on, you ensure your cake will bake evenly and thoroughly from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pans
While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your baking pans. Grease the pans with butter, then dust them with a bit of flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the cakes once they’re baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting breaks up any lumps and aerates the flour, which helps create a lighter, fluffier cake. Whisk the dry ingredients to ensure they’re evenly distributed, which will prevent any concentrated spots of baking powder or salt in your final batter.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar Together
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is called “creaming,” and it’s essential for creating a cake with a soft, airy texture. Properly creamed butter and sugar will appear pale yellow and slightly glossy.
Step 5: Add Eggs to the Mixture
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Adding the eggs gradually helps to incorporate them into the butter-sugar mixture without curdling. This process is vital to ensure a smooth batter, which will contribute to an even, moist texture in the final cake.
Step 6: Incorporate Vanilla Extract
Pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix it into the batter until well combined. Vanilla adds a wonderful flavor to the cake, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the cake’s overall aroma. For a stronger vanilla flavor, you could add an extra half-teaspoon.
Step 7: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low speed, begin to add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, adding milk in two parts in between. This step helps keep the batter from becoming over-mixed, which can make the cake dense. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
Step 8: Pour Batter into the Pans
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges and smooth the surface. This step is important to ensure the cakes bake evenly, without high or uneven areas.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations that may affect the cake’s rise.
Step 10: Cool the Cake Properly
Once the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely on the rack before frosting. Proper cooling helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle.
Frosting and Decorating Your Vanilla Cake
After the cake is fully cooled, you can frost and decorate it. Here’s a simple vanilla buttercream recipe:
- Butter (softened) – 1 cup
- Powdered sugar – 3-4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Milk – 1-2 tablespoons (for desired consistency)
Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and milk, adjusting until you reach a spreadable consistency. Frost the cake evenly, then decorate as desired.
Storage Tips for Vanilla Cake
To keep your cake fresh:
- Store it at room temperature for up to two days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to three months, then thaw before frosting and serving.
FAQs about Vanilla Cake Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need for a vanilla cake?
A classic vanilla cake typically requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, unsalted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Some recipes may suggest adding a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.
2. Can I make a vanilla cake without eggs?
Yes, you can make a vanilla cake without eggs by using substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt. Each of these can act as a binding agent while keeping the cake moist.
3. How do I make my vanilla cake extra moist?
To achieve a moist vanilla cake, ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Using ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or a bit of vegetable oil can also add extra moisture.
4. What type of frosting goes best with vanilla cake?
Vanilla cake pairs well with various frostings, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream. Chocolate or fruit-flavored frostings can also add a delicious contrast.
5. How can I store vanilla cake to keep it fresh?
To keep your vanilla cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.
6. Can I add other flavors to my vanilla cake?
Absolutely! You can add flavors like almond extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon to give your vanilla cake a unique twist. Just be cautious with quantities to avoid overpowering the vanilla essence.
7. How do I prevent my vanilla cake from sinking in the middle?
Make sure your oven is preheated, and avoid opening the oven door too soon during baking. Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder can also cause the cake to sink.
Conclusion
Baking a vanilla cake from scratch is a rewarding experience, and with this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to making a delicious, fluffy cake. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with decorations or add your personal touch.
References
For further reading and to validate the information provided in the Vanilla Cake Recipe, we recommend consulting reputable sources. These trusted sources offer additional insights, techniques, and tips for making the perfect vanilla cake. Here are some helpful references:
- Food Network: Their vanilla cake recipe provides expert advice on achieving a moist and fluffy texture. Food Network Vanilla Cake Recipe
- AllRecipes: A popular resource for home cooks, AllRecipes shares various vanilla cake recipes with user reviews and customization ideas. AllRecipes Vanilla Cake
- BBC Good Food: Known for reliable recipes, BBC Good Food offers a vanilla cake guide with step-by-step instructions. BBC Good Food Vanilla Cake
These references can serve as a solid foundation for those looking to refine their baking skills or experiment with different techniques.
