Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers a soft and fluffy texture with an incredible vanilla flavor. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with various frostings, making it a beloved classic for bakers of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: This cake requires just one bowl and basic ingredients, making it perfect for beginners.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich vanilla essence ensures every bite is full of flavor.
• Versatile Options: Enjoy it plain, layered with frosting, or as cupcakes—this cake adapts well to your needs.
• Impressive Appearance: With its golden edges and soft crumb, this cake looks as good as it tastes.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Pre-measure dry ingredients for a quick baking option anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Baking a cake can be simple if you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Homemade Vanilla Cake with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool ensures even mixing and saves time compared to manual mixing.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Perfectly sized for even baking and easy layer creation.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the cakes from the pans.

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

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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 their bottoms with parchment paper. Spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray; do not spray the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the butter to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix for about 1 minute until everything is combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for another 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs

With the mixer on low speed again, add in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, add in the egg whites, beating on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula. 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

Once baked, remove from oven and let them cool in their pans for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving a Homemade Vanilla Cake is all about creativity and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dessert at home, these serving ideas will elevate your cake experience.

Classic with Buttercream Frosting

• A generous layer of smooth buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with the vanilla flavor, adding creaminess and sweetness.

Fresh Berries on Top

• Garnish your cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and a burst of tartness that complements the sweet cake.

Whipped Cream Delight

• Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for an airy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense cake.

Ice Cream Scoop

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the homemade vanilla experience, making it indulgent and refreshing.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• Drizzling rich chocolate ganache over each slice adds richness and decadence, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce can transform your cake into an extravagant dessert that’s both sweet and savory.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Vanilla Cake, follow these essential tips for a moist and flavorful dessert.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature promotes even mixing and helps create a consistent batter.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour into your measuring cup, which can lead to a dry cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a dense texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Using an oven thermometer ensures accurate baking temperatures; this prevents undercooking or burning your cake.
• Cool Properly: Allow cakes to cool in their pans briefly before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents them from breaking apart.
• Experiment with Flavors: Enhance your vanilla cake by adding citrus zest or almond extract for an exciting twist on classic flavors.

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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 delicious options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Light yet rich, chocolate mousse complements vanilla cake beautifully while adding elegance to your dessert table.
3. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness, making it an ideal beverage pairing for dessert.
4. Lemon Curd: This tart spread adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cake.
5. Custard Sauce: A silky custard sauce can be drizzled over each slice for added creaminess and flavor complexity.
6. Cheese Platter: Serving mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone alongside can provide a delightful contrast in flavors.
7. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars bring nutty crunchiness that pairs well with soft vanilla cake textures.
8. Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai creates cozy vibes that complement every bite of vanilla goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a homemade vanilla cake can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can develop gluten, resulting in a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that runs hot or cold affects baking times and results. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy before baking your homemade vanilla cake.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Packing flour into the measuring cup can add excess weight, leading to dry cake. Spoon flour into the cup and level it off for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing the cakes from the pan too soon can cause them to break apart. Let them cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes before transferring them.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake moist?

To keep your homemade vanilla cake moist, ensure you use buttermilk as indicated in the recipe. You can also add a simple syrup after baking.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour; however, the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, consider using cake flour for a lighter crumb.

What is the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream is a favorite choice that pairs well with homemade vanilla cake. Chocolate buttercream is another delicious option for those who love chocolate!

How long does Homemade Vanilla Cake last?

Homemade vanilla cake can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make this Homemade Vanilla Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers ahead of time and freeze them. Simply thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This homemade vanilla cake recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Its soft texture and delightful flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different frostings or add-ins like fruit or nuts to customize your dessert further. You’ll find this classic treat will become a favorite among family and friends!