Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Its fluffy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. This Vanilla Cake recipe stands out with its moist layers and delightful vanilla aroma, ensuring that every bite is a memorable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this Vanilla Cake is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Flavors: Customize your cake with different frostings or fillings to suit your taste or the occasion.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of butter and sour cream keeps the cake incredibly moist, making it hard to resist.
• Stunning Presentation: Three layers create an impressive appearance that will wow your guests at any gathering.
• Family Favorite: This cake has a timeless appeal, loved by both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the perfect Vanilla Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake tins (6 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools save time and effort in mixing the batter, ensuring a consistent texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps organize your ingredients and streamline the preparation process.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls, ensuring no batter goes to waste.

Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 cups cake flour ((280 g))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 egg whites
• 2 sticks of butter ((226 g) – room temperature)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar ((280 g))
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream ((125 g) room temperature)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup butter ((227 g) room temperature)
• 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco) ((100 g))
• 6 cups sifted powdered sugar ((750 g))
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 6-inch cake tins by buttering and flouring them, then lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients:
1. Add the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Whisk together until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Whites

Whisk the egg whites in a small bowl:
1. Slowly drizzle them into the butter-sugar mixture while keeping it on low speed until fully incorporated.
2. Increase speed to high for about 1–2 minutes until well combined; it may look curdled but will smooth out as you beat.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
2. Add half of the milk mixture, mixing briefly.
3. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients followed by remaining milk mixture.
4. Turn off the mixer; use a rubber spatula to hand-mix gently without overmixing.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans (fill about one-third full):
1. Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes.
2. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 15–20 minutes:
1. Gently remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy baking this delightful Vanilla Cake that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Serving Vanilla Cake can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of Vanilla Cake topped with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch that complements the vanilla flavor beautifully.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side adds a light and airy contrast to the dense cake texture.

Layered with Fruit Compote

• Enhance your Vanilla Cake with a homemade fruit compote made from berries or stone fruits, providing a sweet and tangy balance.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve each slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Garnished with Edible Flowers

• Decorate slices with edible flowers like pansies or violets for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Perfecting Vanilla Cake involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.

• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it down, which can result in a dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined; overmixing can develop gluten, leading to a tougher cake.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding citrus zest or almond extract along with vanilla for added depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vanilla Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert pairs perfectly for those who crave something decadent alongside their vanilla delight.

3. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut treats offer a different texture that contrasts nicely with the soft vanilla cake.

4. Lemon Sorbet: A tart sorbet cleanses the palate after each bite of sweet cake, making it great for summer gatherings.

5. Pistachio Crumble: Crunchy pistachio crumbles sprinkled on top add texture and nutty flavor that enhances the vanilla.

6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices offers an extra layer of sweetness that is simply irresistible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a perfect vanilla cake, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs and butter can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature ingredients for a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until combined.
• Incorrect oven temperature – An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Not measuring ingredients properly – Inaccurate measurements can lead to poor results. Always use a scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling step – Removing the cakes from the pans too early can cause them to break. Allow them to cool in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover vanilla cake in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Frozen vanilla cake can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it does not dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making vanilla cake.

How do I make my vanilla cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding extra vanilla extract or using high-quality vanilla beans for a richer taste.

Can I substitute the milk in my vanilla cake?

Yes! You can use any non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk as an alternative without affecting the texture significantly.

What is the best way to store leftover vanilla cake?

Leftover vanilla cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Why is my vanilla cake dense?

A dense texture may result from overmixing or using cold ingredients. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and mix just until combined.

Can I add frosting before freezing my vanilla cake?

Yes! You can frost your vanilla cake before freezing; just make sure it’s completely cooled first, and wrap it well.

Final Thoughts

This delicious vanilla cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different frostings or fillings, making it a favorite among friends and family. Don’t hesitate—try baking this classic dessert today!