This Vanilla Cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or simply a cozy family gathering. With its light and fluffy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and versatility for decorating, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Plus, it can be easily customized with various frostings or fillings to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile Flavor: The rich vanilla taste pairs well with countless frostings and fillings.
- Perfect Layers: The three layers create an impressive dessert that’s great for celebrations or casual meals alike.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
- Customizable Design: Decorate it however you like—from classic buttercream to fun themed toppings!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake tins (6-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps in organizing your ingredients for mixing without confusion.
- Rubber spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Ingredients
This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.
- 2 cups cake flour ((280 g))
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 egg whites
- 2 sticks of butter ((226 g) – room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar ((280 g))
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream ((125 g) room temperature)
- 1 cup butter ((227 g) room temperature)
- 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco) ((100 g))
- 6 cups sifted powdered sugar ((750 g))
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
How to Make Vanilla Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F/177°C. Prepare three 6-inch cake tins by buttering and flouring them, then lining them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Measure out the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Whisk together until evenly mixed. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Mix together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer:
1. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
Step 5: Add Egg Whites
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites.
- Slowly drizzle them into the butter mixture while keeping the mixer on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Increase to high speed for 1–2 minutes until well blended (the mixture may appear curdled but will smooth out).
Step 6: Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures
On low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredient mixture until barely incorporated.
2. Then add half of the milk mixture and mix briefly.
3. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients followed by the rest of the milk mixture.
4. Turn off the mixer and fold gently by hand with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined without overmixing.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans (about one-third full):
1. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30–35 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
Step 8: Cool Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 15–20 minutes:
1. Gently remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Vanilla Cake!
How to Serve Vanilla Cake
Vanilla cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your vanilla cake experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice topped with whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
Chocolate Ganache
- Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over the cake for a rich and decadent touch.
Ice Cream
- Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert combination.
Fruit Compote
- Spoon some homemade fruit compote on top for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Nuts and Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
How to Perfect Vanilla Cake
Making the perfect vanilla cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; packing it can lead to dense cakes.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; an incorrect oven can ruin your cake.
- Cool Properly: Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans before transferring them to avoid breaking.
Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake
Vanilla cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that enhance its flavor. Here’s a selection of options you might consider serving alongside your cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Creamy Custard: Smooth custard provides a rich, creamy contrast that complements the vanilla flavor of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy chocolate mousse makes for an elegant pairing with vanilla cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream adds tropical flair and richness.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet creates a refreshing contrast to sweet vanilla cake.
- Espresso Coffee: A cup of espresso enhances the vanilla flavors while providing a nice caffeine kick.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds an irresistible sweetness.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nuts, these bars provide texture and additional sweetness alongside the vanilla cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Vanilla Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream for the best results.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause your cake to become tough. Mix just until combined; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents too much flour from making your cake dry.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your Vanilla Cake bakes evenly.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Not using parchment paper can lead to stuck cakes. Always line your cake pans to ensure easy release.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Vanilla Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vanilla Cake
- Wrap slices or whole layers tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Frozen Vanilla Cake is best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Vanilla Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Vanilla Cake.
What is the secret to a moist Vanilla Cake?
The key is using room temperature ingredients like butter and sour cream, which help create a tender crumb and keep moisture locked in.
Can I substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. To mimic cake flour, you can replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour mixed with cornstarch.
How do I know when my Vanilla Cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when the cake is fully baked.
Can I add flavors or fillings to my Vanilla Cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate lemon zest, chocolate chips, or even fruit purees into the batter for extra flavor.
How do I prevent my Vanilla Cake from sinking?
Make sure not to overmix your batter and check that your baking powder is fresh. Proper oven temperature also helps achieve rise.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Cake recipe offers a classic dessert that’s both delightful and versatile. With simple ingredients, you can customize it by adding flavors or fillings as you desire. Try this recipe today and enjoy its rich taste!
Vanilla Cake
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking a homemade Vanilla Cake that is perfect for any celebration or casual gathering. This moist and airy cake boasts a rich vanilla flavor and can be customized with a variety of frostings and fillings to suit your taste. Whether you’re decorating it for a birthday party or enjoying it on a cozy family night, this versatile dessert will surely impress everyone at the table. It’s an easy recipe that even novice bakers can master, making it a go-to choice for sweet occasions.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 egg whites
- 2 sticks of butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco)
- 6 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 6-inch cake tins by buttering and flouring them, then lining them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and vanilla; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth (about 3 minutes). Gradually add whisked egg whites while mixing on low until combined. Increase speed for another minute.
- Alternate adding half of the dry mixture and half of the wet mixture to the creamed butter. Mix gently until just incorporated; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared tins (about one-third full) and bake for approximately 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for about 15–20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. You can experiment by adding lemon zest or chocolate chips to the batter for additional flavor variations.
