No products in the cart.
Classic Vanilla Cake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment:
9-inch round cake pans
mixing bowls
electric mixer
measuring cups
measuring spoons
cooling rack
Cuisine Type: American
The Classic Vanilla Cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea. This cake features a light and fluffy texture, complemented by a rich vanilla flavor that’s both comforting and delicious. With its simple ingredients, this recipe allows the pure essence of vanilla to shine through, making it a favorite among cake lovers.
The versatility of this cake means it can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting, fruit, or whipped cream. Baking a Classic Vanilla Cake isn’t only rewarding but also easy enough for bakers of all skill levels. The key to achieving the perfect cake lies in creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which incorporates air into the batter and results in a light texture.
This cake is sure to impress your family and friends, and it serves as a wonderful base for various flavor combinations and frostings.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will guarantee that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential for creating a tender cake.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. You can also experiment with different frostings, such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream, depending on your preferences.
If you want to add a fun twist, try layering the cake with fresh fruit or jam between the layers for added flavor.
Enjoy your classic dessert!