Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe is a delightful treat that every baker should try. Its simplicity and classic flavor make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a family gathering. With a soft crumb and rich vanilla taste, this cake stands out as a timeless dessert that pairs wonderfully with various frostings.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Cake

This cake is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Here are some reasons to love it:

• Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe simplifies the baking process, making it ideal for beginners.
• Versatile Flavor: The rich vanilla flavor pairs well with numerous frostings and fillings.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for birthdays, weddings, or simple gatherings, this cake fits right in.
• Make Ahead Option: Pre-measure ingredients for quick assembly later, saving you time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly and efficiently.
• Cake pans: Ensure even baking for perfectly shaped cakes.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the cakes easier.

Ingredients

To prepare your Homemade Vanilla Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups (390 grams) cake flour (or 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour)
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature

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How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray; do not spray the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the butter to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until you get a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the buttermilk and vanilla extract:
1. Mix for about 1 minute until well combined.
2. Increase to medium speed and beat for another 30 seconds.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Reduce mixer speed to low again:
1. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until incorporated.
2. Finally, add egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans:
1. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden edges form and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked:
1. Remove cakes from oven and cool in pans for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is sure to impress friends and family alike!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving your Homemade Vanilla Cake can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple family gathering, how you present the cake can make it memorable.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on a dessert plate for a traditional presentation. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Layered with Frosting

• Frost between layers and on top with your favorite icing. A classic buttercream or chocolate frosting complements the vanilla flavor perfectly.

A la Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast that everyone loves.

Fresh Fruit Topping

• Add seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds freshness to each bite.

Drizzled Sauce

• Drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the slices before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dessert even more decadent.

Cupcake Style

• Cut the cake into squares and place them in cupcake liners for easy serving. This is perfect for parties or gatherings where guests enjoy finger foods.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

Perfecting your Homemade Vanilla Cake can lead to consistent, delicious results every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid using too much, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined after adding eggs; overmixing can make the cake tough.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature; this prevents undercooking or overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before applying frosting; this avoids melting and creates a neater finish.
• Try Different Flavorings: Experiment with extracts like almond or lemon for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Vanilla Cake can enhance its flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fruit Salad: Combining various fruits provides a refreshing contrast and lightens up dessert time.
3. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream offers a fluffy texture that complements the cake beautifully.
4. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae bar with toppings like nuts, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles for an interactive dessert experience.
5. Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch that pairs well with vanilla.
6. Caramel Sauce: Serve caramel sauce on the side for drizzling; its richness enhances the flavors of the cake.
7. Coffee or Tea: Offer coffee or tea as beverages; their warmth pairs nicely with sweet desserts like vanilla cake.
8. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cake while adding savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients. Cold butter or eggs can prevent your cake from rising properly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Too much flour can make your cake dry.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Line the pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures a smooth release after baking.
• Opening the oven door too soon: Avoid opening the oven door in the first 25 minutes of baking. This can cause your cake to sink in the middle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• You can freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser compared to using cake flour.

How do I know when my Homemade Vanilla Cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

What frosting goes well with Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream or chocolate buttercream pairs wonderfully with this vanilla cake.

How long does it take to bake Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Bake time is typically between 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with a little vinegar for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only simple but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can dress it up with various frostings or enjoy it plain. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging yourself, give this recipe a try!