Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe is a timeless classic that brings joy to any occasion. Its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it a favorite for birthdays, weddings, or just a cozy family gathering. This simple one-bowl cake is perfect for bakers of all levels and pairs wonderfully with any frosting or can be enjoyed plain. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful dessert!

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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
• Step 7: Cool
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Classic Slice
• With Fresh Berries
• Ice Cream Pairing
• Whipped Cream Topping
• Layered Dessert
• Chocolate Drizzle
• 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
• Can I make this Homemade Vanilla Cake ahead of time?
• What can I use instead of buttermilk?
• How do I customize my Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• What frosting goes well with this cake?
• Can I bake this as cupcakes?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one bowl and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The use of high-quality vanilla extract makes this cake incredibly flavorful.
• Versatile Base: Enjoy it as-is, or dress it up with your favorite frosting or fruit toppings.
• Perfect Texture: The buttermilk ensures a moist cake that stays fresh longer.
• Customizable Options: Easily adapt the recipe for cupcakes or different-sized cakes.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools. This will streamline your process and ensure success in creating the perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Provides even mixing, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl, preventing any unmixed ingredients from affecting the cake’s texture.

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. 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, combine:
1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt

Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until you achieve a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add:
1. Buttermilk
2. Vanilla extract

Mix for 1 minute until incorporated, then increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Lower the mixer speed again and add:
1. Eggs (one at a time)

Mix each egg until fully incorporated before adding the next one. Finally, add egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth out tops with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool

Remove cakes from oven and let them cool in pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving Homemade Vanilla Cake can elevate your special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just a weekend treat, there are many ways to present and enjoy this delightful dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a simple slice of cake on a plate with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic dessert combination that’s hard to resist.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top to enhance the cake’s softness and flavor.

Layered Dessert

• Transform your cake into a layered dessert by adding frosting between slices and stacking them high.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To ensure your Homemade Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately; too much flour can lead to a dry cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined after adding eggs. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the right temperature before baking; an accurate oven temp is crucial for baking success.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding; this also ensures better flavor absorption.
• Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla is classic, consider adding almond extract or lemon zest for unique twists on the traditional recipe.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Vanilla Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Coffee: A cup of brewed coffee complements the vanilla flavor beautifully.
3. Tea: Pair with herbal or black tea for a soothing accompaniment.
4. Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse creates a delightful contrast with vanilla.
5. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses to balance the sweetness of the cake while providing variety.
6. Custard Sauce: A drizzle of vanilla custard adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.
7. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert can be served alongside for an elegant touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Homemade Vanilla Cake might seem easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always bring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy result.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing flour can lead to dryness in your cake.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed. An incorrect temperature can affect baking times and texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your cake pans with parchment paper prevents sticking. Don’t skip this step for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for freshness.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Freeze the cake layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• For best results, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover the cake with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Homemade Vanilla Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just ensure they are well-wrapped.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I customize my Homemade Vanilla Cake?

You can add flavors like almond extract or citrus zest for a twist. You could also fold in chocolate chips or nuts.

What frosting goes well with this cake?

Classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the vanilla flavor beautifully. Chocolate buttercream is another delicious option.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it with various flavors and frostings. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!