Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that everyone will love. Its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon dessert. Easy to make in one bowl, this recipe is especially great for beginners and can be paired with your favorite frosting to elevate its deliciousness.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Butter
• Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Eggs
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool Down
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Classic with Frosting
• Fruit & Cream Combinations
• Unique Pairings
• Breakfast Treat
• How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my homemade vanilla cake more flavorful?
• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
• How should I frost my homemade vanilla cake?
• Can I make this homemade vanilla cake ahead of time?
• What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just one bowl needed, cleanup is a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of high-quality vanilla and buttermilk creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Base: Use this cake as a foundation for various frostings or fillings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Customizable Options: Bake it in different shapes or sizes to suit your needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Vanilla Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Two 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for best results.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the bowl, ensuring no ingredients are left behind.
• Cake pans: Provides even baking and shaping for your cake layers.

Ingredients

This classic vanilla cake recipe features simple yet essential ingredients:

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

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray; do not spray the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the butter into the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until it has a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute until combined. Then increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Reduce speed again to low and add eggs one at a time. Mix each egg in until fully incorporated before adding the egg whites. Beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth out tops. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown edges appear. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Enjoy creating this Homemade Vanilla Cake that is sure to impress!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade Vanilla Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Classic with Frosting

• Buttercream Frosting: Spread a generous layer of classic buttercream for a sweet and creamy finish.
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over slices for a decadent twist.

Fruit & Cream Combinations

• Fresh Berries: Top slices with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a light and airy addition.

Unique Pairings

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs beautifully with the cake’s fluffy texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

Breakfast Treat

• Toast with Jam: Turn leftover cake into a breakfast delight by toasting slices and spreading jam on top.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To ensure your Homemade Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter.
• Properly Measure Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and airy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this prevents undercooking or burning.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool fully on a wire rack before adding frosting to avoid melting it.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Homemade Vanilla Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness next to your cake.
2. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie that pair well with the sweetness.
5. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars provide a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with the vanilla flavor.
6. Caramelized Apples: Sweet and slightly tart caramelized apples can add warmth and depth to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect homemade vanilla cake is all about precision and care. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: This can affect the batter’s texture. Always ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This can cause your cakes to stick to the pans. Always line your pans with parchment and spray them lightly to ensure easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap slices in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making homemade vanilla cake:

How do I make my homemade vanilla cake more flavorful?

Adding extra vanilla extract or using vanilla bean paste can enhance its flavor significantly.

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

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly denser than intended in this homemade vanilla cake recipe.

How should I frost my homemade vanilla cake?

Classic buttercream frosting pairs wonderfully; consider chilling the cake layers first for easier frosting application.

Can I make this homemade vanilla cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it one day in advance and store it properly until you’re ready to serve.

What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

You can turn this into cupcakes or a larger sheet cake by adjusting baking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This homemade vanilla cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings—your creativity will make it even better!

---