Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of classic baking. With its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it’s ideal for any celebration—whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or simply a cozy family gathering. The simplicity of this one-bowl dessert makes it approachable for beginners while offering results that impress even seasoned bakers.

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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
• Frosted Delight
• Layered Perfection
• A La Mode
• Fresh Berries
• Whipped Cream Topping
• 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 recipe gluten-free?
• How do I enhance the vanilla flavor?
• Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
• How long does it take to bake Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• Can I decorate this cake with fondant?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one bowl and minimal equipment, making cleanup a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The use of high-quality vanilla extract ensures a rich and aromatic taste that elevates this cake beyond basic desserts.
• Versatile Options: Whether you want to layer it with frosting or serve it plain, this cake adapts beautifully to your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual gatherings to special celebrations, this cake fits right in at any event.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Pre-measuring the dry ingredients allows you to whip up this dessert quickly when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Homemade Vanilla Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• 9-inch round cake pans (two)
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool simplifies mixing, ensuring your batter is smooth and well-combined quickly.
• Cake pans: Using the right size pans guarantees even baking and beautiful shaping for your layers.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of your cakes from the pans without damage.

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

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 and lightly spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Avoid spraying the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a 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:
1. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture has a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low:
1. Add buttermilk and vanilla extract.
2. Mix for 1 minute until combined.
3. Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Reduce speed to low again:
1. Add eggs one at a time, mixing each until fully incorporated.
2. Finally, add egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans:
1. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown edges form.
3. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Remove cakes from the oven:
1. Let them cool in pans for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Enjoy creating your delicious Homemade Vanilla Cake, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving your Homemade Vanilla Cake can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or casual gathering, the way you present this cake can make it even more delightful.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of cake topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.

Frosted Delight

• Frost the cake with buttercream icing and add colorful sprinkles for a fun and festive look that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Layered Perfection

• Create a layered cake by stacking two or three layers with frosting in between. This not only looks impressive but also adds flavor with each bite.

A La Mode

• Pair individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the soft crumb of the cake beautifully.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish your cake slices with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a vibrant touch that adds freshness to each bite.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top your serving with freshly whipped cream for an airy finish that balances the richness of the cake.

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How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

Achieving the perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out flawlessly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a tender crumb; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, as oven temperatures can vary widely.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cakes cool fully before frosting them to prevent melting and sliding.
• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality vanilla extract makes a significant difference in flavor; don’t skimp on quality.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; ovens vary, so check for doneness using a toothpick.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

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

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle this rich chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent treat.
3. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings next to vanilla ice cream for guests to create their own sundaes alongside their cake.
4. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage complements dessert beautifully and enhances flavors.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast, making each bite interesting.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over slices for added decadence and flavor depth.
7. Lemon Curd: This tangy spread pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness of the cake.
8. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add elegance and make for an appealing dessert pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Homemade Vanilla Cake can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect cake.

• Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the cake’s texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can dry out your cake.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Line your pans with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the cake after baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Always preheat your oven properly. Baking at incorrect temperatures can cause uneven cooking and affect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the cooled Homemade Vanilla Cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• item Wrap each layer of the cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Homemade Vanilla Cake that may help clarify your concerns.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking.

How do I enhance the vanilla flavor?

You can add vanilla bean paste or additional pure vanilla extract to intensify the flavor profile of your Homemade Vanilla Cake.

Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter provides better flavor and richness that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

How long does it take to bake Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Depending on your oven, it typically takes about 25-30 minutes for round cakes or 45-50 minutes for a 9×13-inch dish.

Can I decorate this cake with fondant?

Absolutely! The soft crumb of this cake works well with fondant, making it an excellent choice for decorated cakes.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Its light texture and delightful flavor make it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it with various frostings or fillings, allowing you to create a personalized dessert that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!