The Quintessential Vanilla Cake a Classic for Every Kitchen

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that hankering for something utterly comforting? Honestly, nothing beats a slice of homemade vanilla cake . This classic vanilla cake recipe hits the spot every time.

Think buttery, soft, and melt-in-your mouth goodness.

Quick Hook

Craving a birthday cake recipe that's not too fussy? This easy vanilla cake from scratch ticks all the boxes. It's light, airy, and full of vanilla flavour.

Brief Overview

The vanilla cake recipe with cake flour is a staple in many cultures. It is considered comfort food. It takes around an hour to make.

The recipe will yield between 10 and 12 servings.

Main Benefits

This recipe gives you a beautiful moist vanilla cake recipe . It's the perfect base cake recipe for celebrations. What makes this best homemade vanilla cake recipe special? The simple ingredients make it shine! I remember when I first started baking, this was my go-to.

I messed it up so many times, but the joy of finally getting that perfect crumb? Unbeatable!

Are you ready to bake? Follow along this simple vanilla cake recipe for beginners and you'll be a pro in no time! Now, let's gather our ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Dream Cake

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to bake this best homemade vanilla cake recipe . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. No need for fancy gadgets, just some good quality ingredients and a few basic tools.

Let's dive in.

Main Ingredients: The Star Performers

For the cake itself, you'll need:

• 2 ¼ cups (281g) of all-purpose flour.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt.
• 1 cup (227g) of softened, unsalted butter. Key here is softened .
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) of granulated sugar.
• 2 large eggs. Room temperature is best.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of pure vanilla extract. Splurge on the good stuff if you can!
• 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk.

For the frosting, you'll need:

• 1 cup (227g) of softened, unsalted butter.
• 3 cups (360g) of powdered sugar.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) of whole milk.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of pure vanilla extract.

Quality Indicators: The vanilla makes or breaks it. A good vanilla extract smells heavenly and tastes rich. And good butter is a must!

Seasoning Notes: It’s All About the Vanilla

Vanilla is the star of this cake vanilla recipe , obviously. But don't underestimate the power of salt! A pinch enhances all the other flavors.

For a boost, try adding a tiny bit of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a subtle twist. If you are looking for the perfect cake recipe birthday cake , this is the winner!

If you're fresh out of vanilla, a teaspoon of maple syrup works okay in a pinch. But honestly, go get some vanilla!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You'll need:

• Two 9 inch round cake pans.
• Parchment paper (game changer!).
• An electric mixer. Hand or stand, your call.
• A spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A cooling rack.

Don't have cake pans? Use muffin tins for cupcakes! Or a square baking pan. Baking is all about adaptability! Also, if you don't have a mixer, get one or ask Santa, but be prepared to mix by hand.

This simple base cake recipe gives you the confidence you need to try How to Bake Vanilla Cake and create a delicious moist vanilla cake recipe , even if you're a beginner looking for a simple vanilla cake recipe for beginners .

The Quintessential Vanilla Cake: Mastering the Bake

Honestly, who doesn't love a good homemade vanilla cake ? It's the ultimate comfort bake. This easy vanilla cake from scratch is seriously foolproof.

The kind you can bake with the kids or whip up for a last minute treat. Let's get baking!

Prep Steps: Getting Sorted

First, the all-important mise en place . Get all ingredients ready. This includes measuring and softening butter. It makes life so much easier, trust me.

I used to skip this step and regretted it every time. Also, preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. This avoids sticking and makes removal easier. Time saving tip: Get the kids to help, if you have them.

Make sure they don't eat all the sugar though!

step-by-step: Baking Brilliance

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It should take about 5 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients. Start and end with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between the cake pans.
6. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A skewer comes out clean when inserted.
7. Cool for 10 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

You know it's done when the top is golden brown. It should also spring back lightly when touched.

Pro Tips for Best Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe

Want a moist vanilla cake recipe ? Don't overmix the batter. This is key. Trust me, I've made this mistake too many times.

Overmixing makes the cake tough. Also, use room temperature ingredients. They combine better. Thinking of making the recipe birthday cake a day ahead? Absolutely! Just wrap the cooled cake layers tightly.

Store at room temperature. This makes the frosting process smoother. A classic vanilla cake recipe is always a winner but vanilla cake recipe with cake flour enhances the crumb structure.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get Real About This Homemade Vanilla Cake

Right then, let's chat about making this vanilla cake recipe with cake flour work for you . Baking isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, is it? Sometimes things go a bit pear shaped!

Fancy Pants Presentation and What to Serve It With

Okay, presentation time! Plating can be a game changer. I'm talking a dusting of icing sugar, a few strategically placed raspberries, the works.

And complementary sides ? A cheeky scoop of vanilla ice cream or a proper dollop of whipped cream works wonders! I like a cup of tea to wash it down.

That's the British way, innit? Or a chilled glass of milk; a perfect pairing for this easy vanilla cake from scratch .

Storing Your Masterpiece (Or What's Left Of It!)

So, you've baked this beauty of a recipe birthday cake , now what?

For refrigeration , wrap it tight in cling film or whack it in an airtight container. This base cake recipe will happily keep for about 3 days.

Freezing? Yep, you can! Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you fancy a slice, defrost it fully before frosting and serving.

For reheating , if you need to, just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds. Boom.

Classic vanilla cake recipe : Mix-ins and Make Overs

Let’s talk tweaks! If you are gluten-free , just swap the normal flour for a gluten-free one. Ta-da!

Got some oranges kicking about? Bang in some orange zest for a seasonal ingredient swap . Maybe orange buttercream! Now that's a zingy twist on a moist vanilla cake recipe ! I love to add a little cinnamon in the colder months.

Cake Vanilla Recipe : Numbers and Goodness

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This cake has calories, it has sugar, it has the lot. I am not a nutritionist so I can't get into Simplified nutrition information , but let me tell you.

Moderation is key.

But honestly, sometimes you just need cake, right? It’s good for the soul. And a proper, simple vanilla cake recipe for beginners like this is a great starting point.

So, there you have it! My take on making this best homemade vanilla cake recipe your own. Get baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my homemade vanilla cake turn out dense and not fluffy?

A dense vanilla cake usually points to a few common culprits. Overmixing the batter develops too much gluten, so remember to mix only until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh and that you cream the butter and sugar together well this incorporates air that helps the cake rise.

Think of it like making a good Victoria Sponge; you need that light and airy texture!

Can I make this homemade vanilla cake ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Once frosted, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just like leftover scones, it's best enjoyed sooner rather than later!

What can I substitute for vanilla extract in this homemade vanilla cake recipe?

While vanilla extract is key for that classic flavour, you have some options. Almond extract works well in a pinch, offering a slightly nutty flavor, though use half the amount as it's stronger. Alternatively, you could use maple syrup or even a little bit of rum for a subtle but delicious twist.

Keep in mind that while these substitutes will provide flavour, they won't exactly replicate the vanilla taste that defines a classic vanilla cake.

My buttercream frosting is too runny! How can I fix it?

Runny buttercream is a common baking woe, but easily fixed. Add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it's really runny, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up the butter before adding more sugar.

Think of it as a bit of baking magic, like rescuing a curdled custard!

Can I adapt this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a full sized homemade vanilla cake?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as cupcake baking times can vary. Once cooled, frost them just like you would the full sized cake.

It is just like turning a traybake into individual cookies!