Introduction
Finding the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe is a journey that every home baker embarks upon, seeking that elusive balance of a tender crumb and a rich, buttery flavor. This Best Vanilla Cake Recipe is the result of years of testing and tweaking to ensure that every slice is consistently fluffy, moist, and deeply aromatic with high-quality vanilla. Whether you are baking for a milestone birthday or a quiet Sunday tea, the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe serves as the perfect foundation for any frosting or filling. If you have enjoyed our The Best Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe: Fluffy & Easy!, you will find this layer cake version equally impressive and reliable. This recipe utilizes a specific method of combining fats and liquids to create a structure that is sturdy enough for stacking yet delicate enough to melt in your mouth. Many recipes rely solely on butter, but this Best Vanilla Cake Recipe incorporates a touch of oil to ensure longevity and a soft texture even when refrigerated. Preparation is key, and understanding the science behind the ingredients will help you master the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe on your very first try. Let us dive into why this particular version stands out among the rest.
Why You’ll Love It
You will fall in love with this Best Vanilla Cake Recipe because it delivers a professional bakery-style result from the comfort of your own kitchen. The texture is incredibly velvety, thanks to the precision in the milk and butter ratio, making it the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe for those who dislike dry, crumbly cakes. It is remarkably versatile; you can pair it with chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or a simple buttercream. Just like The Ultimate Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cake That Will Brighten Your Very Soul, this cake focuses on a bright, clean flavor profile that everyone enjoys. It is easy to follow, making the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe accessible for beginners while providing the quality that seasoned professionals demand for their custom orders.
Ingredients
To achieve the results promised by the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe, quality ingredients are paramount. You will need 2 cups plain / all purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 tsp cooking salt. For the wet components, gather 4 large eggs at room temperature, 1 1/2 cups caster sugar, and 115g unsalted butter cut into cubes. Finally, the liquids include 1 cup full-fat milk, 3 tsp vanilla extract, and 3 tsp vegetable oil. These specific measurements are designed to balance leavening and moisture in the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
If caster sugar is unavailable, regular granulated sugar works well in this Best Vanilla Cake Recipe. Ensure your baking powder is fresh to guarantee the rise. For the best flavor, use a Quality Chef's Knife to prep any fruit garnishes you might add later.
Equipment
You will need two 8-inch round cake pans, a large mixing bowl, a stand mixer or handheld electric whisk, parchment paper, and a wire cooling rack. Using the right tools ensures the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe bakes evenly and releases perfectly from the pans every time.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the 4 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups caster sugar for about 5 minutes until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
- Step 4: Heat the 1 cup milk and 115g butter cubes in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is just melted; do not boil.
- Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in three batches, being careful not to deflate the air you have beaten in.
- Step 6: Take about 1 cup of the batter and whisk it into the warm milk and butter mixture along with the vanilla and oil, then fold this back into the main batter.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Pro Tips
The biggest secret to the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe is ensuring your eggs are at room temperature to allow for maximum aeration. Do not overbake; start checking at the 25-minute mark to keep the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe moist. Using a high-quality vanilla extract or bean paste will significantly elevate the final taste of your Best Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve this cake with a classic vanilla bean frosting or a fresh berry compote. Store leftovers of your Best Vanilla Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. For a variation, add citrus zest to the batter for a bright twist on the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 348 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 16g |
Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Conclusion
We hope this Best Vanilla Cake Recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen for years to come. With its perfect texture and timeless flavor, it truly is the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe for any celebration. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use plain or all-purpose flour. For a slightly finer crumb, you can sift the all-purpose flour twice to aerate it, or simply use the recipe as written for a sturdy yet tender result.
What is the secret to making the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe moist?
The combination of full-fat milk, butter for flavor, and a small amount of vegetable oil ensures the cake stays moist for days. Additionally, avoiding overmixing the batter prevents the gluten from making the cake tough.
Can I turn this vanilla cake into cupcakes?
Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for cupcakes. Simply fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes at 350u00b0F (175u00b0C).
How should I store this vanilla cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, though room temperature is best for texture.
Best Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A professional-grade, fluffy, and moist vanilla layer cake that is perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
2 cups plain / all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tsp cooking salt
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups caster / superfine sugar
115g / 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1.5cm cubes
1 cup milk, full fat
3 tsp vanilla extract
3 tsp vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
Step 2: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes until pale and thick.
Step 4: Melt butter into the milk over low heat without boiling.
Step 5: Fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture carefully.
Step 6: Temper the warm milk mixture with a cup of batter and vanilla, then combine everything.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best emulsion. Do not overmix once the flour is added.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 348 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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