There's something truly magical about a classic vanilla cake. It’s not just a dessert; it's a blank canvas for celebration, a comforting treat, and a taste of pure joy. Whether you're baking for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because you crave something sweet, this easy homemade classic vanilla cake recipe promises a fluffy texture and a rich, unmistakable vanilla flavor that everyone will adore.
Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. This recipe is designed for home bakers of all skill levels, delivering a consistently moist crumb and a wonderfully fragrant aroma that will fill your kitchen. Get ready to bake a timeless favorite that will become your go-to vanilla cake!
Why You'll Love This Classic Vanilla Cake
This isn't just another vanilla cake recipe; it's *the* vanilla cake recipe you've been searching for. Here's why it stands out:
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to a balanced ratio of ingredients and proper mixing techniques, this cake stays moist for days.
- Rich Vanilla Flavor: The generous amount of high-quality vanilla extract shines through, providing that iconic, comforting taste.
- Perfectly Fluffy: Achieves that light, airy texture without being crumbly.
- Easy to Follow: Simple, straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for even novice bakers.
- Versatile: A fantastic base for any frosting or filling, from classic buttercream to fruit curds.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! Most of these pantry staples are likely already in your kitchen. For a full breakdown of quantities, refer to the recipe card below.
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Milk
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Recommended)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking this classic vanilla cake is a delightful process. We'll walk you through each step to ensure perfect results every time. Remember, the key to success is patience and following the instructions carefully. Find the detailed, numbered instructions in the recipe card.
Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Cake
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your vanilla cake from good to absolutely phenomenal:
1. Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key
Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smooth, uniform batter that traps air more effectively, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake.
2. Don't Overmix the Batter
Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
3. Don't Overbake
Overbaking is the quickest way to a dry cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, and not completely clean. The edges should be golden brown and pulling slightly away from the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled some common questions about baking vanilla cake to help ensure your success. See our FAQ section below for detailed answers.
Get Baking Your Own Classic Vanilla Cake!
There's nothing quite like the aroma of a homemade vanilla cake baking in the oven. This recipe is more than just instructions; it's an invitation to create memories, celebrate moments, and indulge in pure, simple deliciousness. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake the most delightful classic vanilla cake you've ever tasted!
FAQs
How do I achieve a moist classic vanilla cake?
For a truly moist vanilla cake, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Don't overmix the batter; mix until just combined. Also, avoid overbaking by checking for doneness with a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Can I make this vanilla cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Baked and cooled cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 weeks. Frost the cake shortly before serving for the freshest taste.
What's the best frosting for a classic vanilla cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream frosting is typically the best pairing. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor perfectly complement the cake. Cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze also work wonderfully.
Why did my vanilla cake sink in the middle?
A sunken cake can be caused by several factors, including opening the oven door too early, too much leavening agent (like baking powder), an expired leavening agent, or the cake not being fully baked through before cooling. Always ensure your oven temperature is accurate and resist the urge to peek during the first two-thirds of the baking time.
Classic Vanilla Cake
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A timeless and fluffy vanilla cake recipe perfect for any celebration or simple treat, made with simple ingredients for a deliciously moist crumb.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition; do not overmix.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not completely clean).
Step 8: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Do not frost until completely cool.
Step 9: To make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 10: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost your classic vanilla cake as desired and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and a lighter cake. Do not overmix the batter, and avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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