Vanilla Cake

If you’re looking for a classic dessert that never fails to impress, this Vanilla Cake is just the thing! There’s something so comforting about a moist, fluffy cake that fills your home with the sweet aroma of vanilla. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or even just a cozy weeknight treat, this recipe has got you covered. It’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to wow your guests!

What makes this Vanilla Cake truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with your favorite frosting and decorations. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion when you want to put a smile on someone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can bake this Vanilla Cake even on busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a classic vanilla cake! It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake the layers in advance and frost them just before serving for stress-free entertaining!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and vanilla creates a rich flavor that is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this delightful Vanilla Cake—just some simple, wholesome staples from your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to create three perfectly layered cakes:

For the Cake 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

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

Variations

This Vanilla Cake is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate citrus zest for a fresh twist—lemon or orange works wonderfully!
• Layer in Fruit: Add fresh berries between the layers for added flavor and color.
• Go Chocolate: Swap out some cake flour for cocoa powder to turn it into a chocolate vanilla cake!
• Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the batter for extra texture.

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cakes bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Pans

Butter and flour three 6-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This will help prevent any sticking, giving you perfect layers every time!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing them first ensures even distribution of leavening agents in your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another small bowl, mix together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Setting this aside will help enhance the flavors when you add it to the batter later.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy—about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cake rise beautifully.

Step 6: Add Egg Whites

Whisk together the egg whites in a separate bowl. Slowly drizzle them into your butter-sugar mixture while mixing on low speed. Increasing the speed afterward helps combine everything well; don’t worry if it seems curdled at first!

Step 7: Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures

On low speed, add half of your dry ingredients until barely incorporated. Next, mix in half of your milk mixture. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and then milk mixture. Finish by gently folding everything together by hand with a spatula—this keeps your batter light!

Step 8: Fill Pans and Bake

Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan—about one-third full. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 15-20 minutes before gently removing them onto wire racks. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy creating this delightful Vanilla Cake! I can’t wait for you to share it with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Cake

Baking a perfect vanilla cake is all about the details! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully fluffy and delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gentle mixing keeps it light and airy.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Scooping directly from the bag can pack it down and result in too much flour, affecting the cake’s texture.
• Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick to check if your cakes are fully baked. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is done. If there’s wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Let your cakes cool in the pans for about 15-20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps maintain their shape.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Presenting your vanilla cake beautifully can make any occasion feel extra special! Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon treat, here are some delightful ways to serve your creation.

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: Top your cake with an assortment of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and complements the vanilla flavor beautifully.
• Chocolate Shavings: Scatter some chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that pairs well with vanilla.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices of vanilla cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors of the vanilla cake while providing a comforting beverage option.
• Custard Sauce: Drizzle some homemade custard sauce over each slice for added richness and flavor that will delight your guests.

Enjoy baking and serving this delicious vanilla cake—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vanilla Cake recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to create delightful layers ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a special event or just want to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week, this cake can easily be prepared in advance and stored.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake layers to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Place the wrapped layers in an airtight container or zip-top bag for added protection.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap, ensuring they are sealed well.
• Place the wrapped layers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating

• If you’ve chilled your Vanilla Cake and want it warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the cake layers and place them on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Cake that may help you get the best results!

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites in vanilla cake?

Using whole eggs will result in a denser texture. For best results with this Vanilla Cake recipe, stick to egg whites as specified.

How can I make my vanilla cake more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding a few extra teaspoons of vanilla extract or incorporating almond extract alongside the vanilla for a unique twist.

Can I make this vanilla cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Vanilla Cake can be made ahead and stored properly, so you can enjoy it fresh without the hassle on the day of serving.

What type of frosting goes well with vanilla cake?

A classic buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with Vanilla Cake. You can also try cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option.

How should I decorate my vanilla cake?

You can get creative with your Vanilla Cake by adding fresh fruits, sprinkles, or chocolate ganache. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed making this delightful Vanilla Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and sweetness. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a treat! Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!