Vanilla Cake

There’s something incredibly special about a slice of Vanilla Cake. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a Sunday gathering, or simply a craving for something sweet, this cake always delivers. I remember the first time I baked a cake from scratch; the aroma filled my kitchen and wrapped around me like a warm hug. The joy of watching the batter transform into a fluffy, golden cake is a feeling that never gets old. As the cake bakes, the anticipation builds, and soon enough, you’re greeted with a treat that’s perfect on its own or paired with a luscious frosting. My go-to for that added touch of indulgence? A rich and creamy white chocolate buttercream that takes this Vanilla Cake to the next level of deliciousness.

Vanilla Cake Ingredients

When it comes to making a delightful Vanilla Cake, the ingredient list is straightforward yet essential. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Flour: 1 ¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons – The backbone of the cake, it gives structure and absorbs moisture.
• Baking Powder: ¾ teaspoon – This leavening agent ensures the cake rises beautifully.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Butter: ¾ cup, at room temperature – Adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender.
• Sugar: 1 ½ cups – Sweetens the cake and aids in browning for that golden crust.
• Eggs: 3 – They bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Whole Milk: ¾ cup – Contributes to the moistness of the cake.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: ¾ teaspoon – A splash of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons – The star of the show, adding that unmistakable vanilla aroma.

Putting Together Vanilla Cake

Baking a Vanilla Cake is a joyful process that invites you into the kitchen. Each step builds anticipation, turning simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece. Let’s gather our ingredients and get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step; a preheated oven helps your cake rise evenly and bake thoroughly. Line an 8-inch cake pan with a parchment round and grease the sides. This will ensure your cake comes out without sticking.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it distributes the baking powder evenly, ensuring a uniform rise.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help your cake rise.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. The batter should be smooth and well-blended.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the whole milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add half of this mixture to the batter and mix until just blended. We want to avoid over-mixing at this stage.

6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix in well, followed by the remaining milk mixture, and then the rest of the flour. Scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown.

8. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This step prevents the cake from becoming soggy.

9. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature.

10. In a clean mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisking until just hot to the touch, about 1 to 2 minutes. This process helps dissolve the sugar.

11. Use a mixer on high to whip the egg whites until thick and cooled to room temperature, about 5 minutes. This will give your frosting a light and fluffy texture.

12. Lower the mixer speed to medium and add the butter one tablespoon at a time. Ensure each piece is fully mixed in before adding the next. This step is crucial for a smooth frosting.

13. Finally, mix in the melted white chocolate and any remaining vanilla extract. If your frosting is too runny, refrigerate it briefly until it thickens. Now, the frosting is ready!

14. Generously frost your cooled Vanilla Cake. There will be plenty of frosting for a luscious layer on top and a bit to spare for decorating. Enjoy!

Ways to Customize

There are so many delightful ways to customize your Vanilla Cake. Adding your personal touch makes it even more special. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Flavor Variations: Add different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on flavor.
• Fruit Additions: Fold in fresh fruits such as blueberries or strawberries into the batter for bursts of flavor.
• Layering: Consider making it a layered cake with a filling of fruit preserves or whipped cream between the layers.
• Cocoa Powder: For chocolate lovers, you can replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version.
• Frosting Options: Experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese or whipped cream, to complement the cake.
• Decorations: Top your cake with fresh fruits, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
• Serving Temperature: Serve the cake slightly warm for a comforting dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Vanilla Cake, the options are endless. Here’s how to make it extraordinary:

• Pair with Ice Cream: A slice of warm Vanilla Cake paired with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a delightful dessert.
• Fresh Fruits: Serve slices with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
• Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Storage: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate if longer storage is needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake in airtight bags for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.
• Garnish: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch.
• Layering: Consider serving it as a layered dessert with whipped cream and fruit in between the layers for an impressive presentation.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cake recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, it makes every occasion special. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and try it out. You won’t be disappointed. Happy baking!

Vanilla Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Vanilla Cake combines buttery flavors with a rich white chocolate buttercream frosting. It's a simple yet indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings and is perfect for any occasion. Make it today and elevate your dessert game!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Blender
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 ¾ cups plus 2 tablespoons cups Flour
• ¾ teaspoon teaspoon Baking Powder
• ¼ teaspoon teaspoon Salt
• ¾ cup cup Butter at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups cups Sugar
• 3 eggs Eggs
• ¾ cup cup Whole Milk
• ¾ teaspoon teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step; a preheated oven helps your cake rise evenly and bake thoroughly. Line an 8-inch cake pan with a parchment round and grease the sides. This will ensure your cake comes out without sticking.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it distributes the baking powder evenly, ensuring a uniform rise.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help your cake rise.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. The batter should be smooth and well-blended.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the whole milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add half of this mixture to the batter and mix until just blended. We want to avoid over-mixing at this stage.
• Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix in well, followed by the remaining milk mixture, and then the rest of the flour. Scrape down the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown.
• Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This step prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
• While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature.
• In a clean mixing bowl, combine egg whites and sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisking until just hot to the touch, about 1 to 2 minutes. This process helps dissolve the sugar.
• Use a mixer on high to whip the egg whites until thick and cooled to room temperature, about 5 minutes. This will give your frosting a light and fluffy texture.
• Lower the mixer speed to medium and add the butter one tablespoon at a time. Ensure each piece is fully mixed in before adding the next. This step is crucial for a smooth frosting.
• Finally, mix in the melted white chocolate and any remaining vanilla extract. If your frosting is too runny, refrigerate it briefly until it thickens. Now, the frosting is ready!
• Generously frost your cooled Vanilla Cake. There will be plenty of frosting for a luscious layer on top and a bit to spare for decorating. Enjoy!

Notes

• Storage: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate if longer storage is needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the cake in airtight bags for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.
• Flavor Variations: Add different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on flavor.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential. This prevents the frosting from melting.
• Garnish: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch.

Keyword easy vanilla cake, moist vanilla cake, vanilla birthday cake, vanilla cake recipe

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!