Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Its light and fluffy texture, paired with the rich flavor of vanilla, makes it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings. This delightful cake can be dressed up or down with various frostings and decorations, allowing you to showcase your creativity. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging in a sweet treat, this Vanilla Cake will surely please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and butter creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Follow: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can make this cake.
• Versatile: You can customize this Vanilla Cake with your favorite frostings or fruits.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual dessert, this cake fits right in.
• Great for Layering: The three-layer design makes it ideal for impressive presentations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating that perfect Vanilla Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Three 6-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing ingredients to achieve a fluffy batter.
• Mixing bowls: Using different sizes helps separate dry and wet ingredients easily.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is great for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

For the Cake:

• 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 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (125 g – room temperature)

For the Frosting:

• 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 the dry ingredients:
* Whisk together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
* Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl:
* Mix together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
* Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using your stand mixer or handheld mixer with the paddle attachment:
* Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
* 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 together with a fork.
Then:
1. Slowly drizzle the egg whites into the butter mixture on low speed until fully incorporated.
2. Increase speed to high for about 1-2 minutes until combined. The mixture may look curdled but will smooth out as you mix.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures

On low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredient mixture; mix until barely incorporated.
2. Add half of the milk mixture; mix for a few seconds.
3. Add remaining dry ingredients; mix again briefly before adding remaining milk mixture.
4. Turn off the mixer and gently fold using a rubber spatula until fully combined without overmixing.

Step 7: Bake Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into each prepared pan (about one-third full):
* Bake for about 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
* Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 15-20 minutes:
* Gently remove from pans and let them rest on a wire rack until completely cool.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Serving vanilla cake is an art that can elevate this classic dessert. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, you can enhance the experience with some thoughtful pairings and presentations.

Celebrate with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of flavor and color to your vanilla cake. Simply place them on top or serve alongside.

Pair with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the cake perfectly, adding creaminess and indulgence to each bite.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• Pour warm chocolate sauce over the slice for a decadent touch. This creates a delightful contrast between the light cake and rich sauce.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that balances well with the dense layers of vanilla cake.

Add a Fruit Compote

• A homemade fruit compote can bring out the flavors in your vanilla cake. Choose seasonal fruits to make it fresh and vibrant.

Create an Elegant Layered Dessert

• Cut slices of vanilla cake and layer them in individual cups with berries and whipped cream for an impressive presentation that’s easy to serve.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Perfecting your vanilla cake takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a moist and flavorful result every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and helps achieve a smooth batter.

• Don’t overmix – Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined for the best results.

• Check oven temperature – An accurate oven temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s baking at 350°F/177°C as needed.

• Cool cakes properly – Allow cakes to cool in their pans for a short time before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents sogginess from steam.

• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting helps break up any clumps in flour and ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt.

• Use high-quality vanilla extract – The flavor of your vanilla will greatly influence the taste of your cake. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Vanilla cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can enhance its sweetness or provide a contrasting flavor profile. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness next to rich vanilla cake.

2. Chocolate Mousse – This creamy dessert offers rich chocolate flavor that contrasts nicely with the lightness of vanilla cake.

3. Lemon Sorbet – The tartness refreshes your palate while balancing out the sweetness of the cake.

4. Coffee – A cup of brewed coffee provides warmth and depth that complements the sweet notes of vanilla.

5. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

6. Nutty Granola – For a crunchy contrast, serve granola on the side; it adds texture without overpowering the flavors of the cake.

7. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can create a savory counterpoint, enhancing your dessert experience.

8. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels – These offer both sweetness and saltiness, making them an addictive snack alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect vanilla cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined to keep it light and airy.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Mismeasuring can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This can cause sticking and broken layers. Always line your pans with parchment to ensure easy removal.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can result in crumbling. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap for freshness.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Freeze wrapped slices or whole layers in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a vanilla cake moist?

A vanilla cake becomes moist by using room temperature ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs. Additionally, including sour cream enhances moisture.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this vanilla cake?

Yes! You can replace butter with oil or use almond milk instead of regular milk. Adjustments may slightly change flavor and texture.

How can I customize my vanilla cake?

You can add fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for variety. Flavored extracts like almond or lemon also work well.

How do I store leftover vanilla cake?

Store leftover vanilla cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you prefer it chilled.

Final Thoughts

This vanilla cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various flavors or toppings to suit any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful dessert; it’s sure to impress your guests!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Vanilla Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful charm of this classic Vanilla Cake, a timeless dessert that elevates any occasion, from birthdays to casual family gatherings. With its light and fluffy texture combined with the rich flavor of pure vanilla, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also offers endless possibilities for customization. Dress it up with your favorite frosting or fresh fruits for a stunning presentation that will impress guests and loved ones alike. Perfect for layering or serving as a simple dessert, this Vanilla Cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

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• 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 tsp 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare three 6-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.
2. In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients: milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Set aside.
4. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Gradually incorporate whisked egg whites until well mixed.
5. Alternately add dry and wet mixtures into the creamed mixture until just combined.
6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes in pans before transferring to wire racks.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg