Introduction
Who doesn’t love a slice of moist, fluffy vanilla cake? This recipe takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a delicious dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with the family. We’re keeping it simple and straightforward, so even beginner bakers can achieve amazing results!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a perfect balance of simple ingredients and amazing flavor. The vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting note, while the creamy frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s easy to follow, requiring minimal baking experience and readily available ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for decorating and customizing to match any occasion!
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 4 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
- 💧 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal later.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are key! Softened butter and eggs at room temperature create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even baking and prevents burning. If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the temperature slightly and checking for doneness earlier. A perfectly baked cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
Crunch Factor
This recipe delivers a tender, moist crumb. The focus is on a soft and delicate texture, perfect for a classic vanilla cake.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra vanilla flavor, use a vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- To make the cake even moister, add a tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter.
- You can easily make this cake into cupcakes! Just fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freezing is also a great option – wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake is perfect for gifting! Package individual slices in pretty boxes tied with ribbon, or present the whole cake in a beautiful cake carrier. Add a personalized tag to make it extra special.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Vanilla Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the frosting.
🌟 Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cake: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
🌟 Strawberry Vanilla Cake: Add ½ cup of chopped strawberries to the batter and use a strawberry glaze.
🌟 Coconut Vanilla Cake: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is too dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is dense: You may have overmixed the batter. Be sure to mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cake sunk in the middle: The oven temperature may have been too low, or the cake wasn’t baked long enough.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with caster sugar or even a blend of granulated and brown sugar, but the sweetness and texture may vary slightly.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it properly.
- What kind of frosting should I use? This recipe works well with a simple buttercream frosting, a cream cheese frosting, or even a light glaze.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure you have appropriately sized baking pans.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this simple yet delicious vanilla cake recipe! It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, and we’re sure it will become a family favorite. Share your creations with us – we’d love to see your beautiful vanilla cakes! Don’t forget to rate the recipe on our site!
The Easiest Vanilla Cake Ever (Family Favorite!)
A simple and delicious vanilla cake recipe that is perfect for any occasion. This family favorite is moist, fluffy, and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350u00b0C (175u00b0C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.