There's something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a slice of homemade vanilla cake. It's a true classic, versatile enough for a birthday celebration, a casual afternoon treat, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving. Forget complicated recipes – this Simple Vanilla Cake is designed for home bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
This recipe delivers a cake that's consistently moist, wonderfully fluffy, and boasts that pure, sweet vanilla flavor everyone loves. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable go-to, this is the vanilla cake recipe you'll turn to again and again.
Why You'll Love This Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe
This isn't just another cake recipe; it's a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can achieve bakery-quality results right at home.
- Perfectly Moist & Fluffy: The balance of ingredients ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, never dry or dense.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Dress it up with fancy frosting and decorations for a party, or keep it simple for an everyday delight.
- Pure Vanilla Flavor: We don't skimp on the vanilla extract, ensuring every bite is infused with that beloved, aromatic taste.
The Magic of Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this vanilla cake lies in its humble yet powerful ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the structure, granulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness, while baking powder ensures a perfect rise. Softened butter and eggs contribute richness and moisture, and good quality vanilla extract is key to its signature flavor. Lastly, milk brings everything together into a smooth, pourable batter.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Vanilla Cake
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your vanilla cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial! Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a finer, more tender crumb. For more on how ingredients interact in baking, check out the fundamentals of baking on Wikipedia.
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, and for flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off rather than scooping directly, which can compact it and lead to a dry cake.
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cake. As soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, it's done. Overbaking is the quickest way to a dry cake.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting, or your frosting will melt and slide off.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
This simple vanilla cake is a fantastic canvas for creativity! Here are a few ideas:
- Frosting Fanfare: Top with a classic vanilla buttercream, rich chocolate ganache, tangy cream cheese frosting, or a light lemon glaze.
- Fruity Freshness: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Sprinkle Sparkle: Add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch, perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
- Layer It Up: Turn this single layer into a beautiful two-layer cake by simply doubling the recipe and using two 8-inch round pans.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a quiet moment, this Simple Vanilla Cake recipe promises a delightful experience. Its classic charm and irresistible flavor make it a timeless treat that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
FAQs
Why is my vanilla cake dry?
A dry vanilla cake typically results from overbaking or incorrect measurement of ingredients, especially too much flour or too little liquid/fat. Ensure you measure accurately using a kitchen scale if possible, and check for doneness with a toothpick; remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.
Can I make this simple vanilla cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2-3 days in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months by wrapping them thoroughly.
What's the best frosting for a simple vanilla cake?
A classic American buttercream, a rich cream cheese frosting, or a simple vanilla glaze all pair wonderfully with vanilla cake. For an extra touch, consider adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to your chosen frosting.
How do I store leftover vanilla cake?
Store leftover frosted vanilla cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your cake has a cream cheese frosting or other perishable filling, it's best to store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Simple Vanilla Cake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Simple Vanilla Cake recipe yields a moist, fluffy, and perfectly sweet classic that's ideal for any celebration or simple dessert.
Ingredients
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the softened unsalted butter, large eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the batter is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Step 6: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost as desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more tender crumb. Do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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