Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade Vanilla Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in. This delightful cake boasts a soft and tender crumb, infused with heavenly vanilla flavor. Simple enough for beginners, it pairs beautifully with various frostings and toppings, making it adaptable to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe simplifies the baking process, ensuring you spend less time cleaning up.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich vanilla flavor shines through, making each bite a delight.
• Versatile: Perfect as a base for many different frostings or enjoyed plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Impressive Look: Beautifully baked layers create an elegant presentation for any event.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Pre-measure the dry ingredients for quick preparation when you’re ready to bake.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Vanilla Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• 9-inch cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing easy and ensures that all ingredients are well combined.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
• Spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.

Ingredients

This classic vanilla cake recipe is a simple yet impressive one-bowl dessert. With a soft, tender crumb and heavenly vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for beginners and pairs beautifully with any frosting.

For the Cake

• 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
• 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

Pin

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper. Spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray; avoid spraying the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your 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 unsalted butter into the dry mixture:
1. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until you achieve a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low:
1. Add buttermilk and pure vanilla extract.
2. Mix for about 1 minute until just combined.
3. Increase speed to medium and beat for another 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides if necessary.

Step 5: Add Eggs

With the mixer still on low:
1. Add each egg one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
2. Finally, add the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for approximately 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 5 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Enjoy creating this stunning Homemade Vanilla Cake!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade vanilla cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic Slice with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice of homemade vanilla cake with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.

Fruit Compote

• Serve with a warm fruit compote made from berries or stone fruits. The sweetness of the fruit complements the vanilla flavor beautifully.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Add a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream on the side. Vanilla, chocolate, or even caramel ice cream pairs wonderfully with this cake.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each slice for a rich and indulgent touch that elevates the dessert.

Layered Parfait

• Crumble leftover cake slices and layer them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delicious parfait that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy your homemade vanilla cake alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The flavors blend well, making it an excellent afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To achieve the best results with your homemade vanilla cake, consider these essential tips. They will help you create a moist and flavorful dessert every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create an even batter, ensuring proper mixing and rise.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dense cake.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough.
• Check doneness early: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Cool completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting. This ensures that frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cake tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness for several days.

Pin

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade vanilla cake pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavor. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing melts perfectly against the warm cake, creating a deliciously creamy contrast.
3. Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled over the top provides an indulgent flavor combination that chocolate lovers will adore.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, serve with coconut-infused whipped cream that adds both flavor and flair.
5. Lemon Curd: The tanginess of lemon curd cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating an appealing balance of flavors.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for added sweetness that takes your dessert experience up a notch.
7. Sliced Almonds: Scatter toasted sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cake.
8. Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish that brightens up each slice beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined, especially after adding eggs.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This can cause your cake to stick. Always line your pans with parchment for easy release.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Homemade Vanilla Cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Pin

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Vanilla Cake:

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but your cake may be slightly denser than if you used cake flour.

How do I add flavor variations to my Homemade Vanilla Cake?

You can add citrus zest, almond extract, or even cocoa powder for a twist!

Why did my Homemade Vanilla Cake sink in the middle?

This often happens due to underbaking or overmixing. Ensure you bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

What frosting pairs well with Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting are great choices that complement the vanilla flavor perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that everyone loves. Its soft crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it versatile for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different frostings or mix-ins to suit your taste!

---