Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that showcases the simple pleasures of baking. With its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, this cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any gathering. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed with your favorite frosting, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe uses just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of high-quality vanilla and buttermilk ensures a moist and flavorful cake.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect as a base for layered cakes, cupcakes, or even a simple snack with tea or coffee.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with different frostings or fillings to suit your taste.
• Great for Gifting: Bake ahead and share this delicious cake as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Homemade Vanilla Cake, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Cake pans: Proper-sized pans help your cake bake evenly for the best results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the 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 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 to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is coarse in texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Buttermilk and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Add Eggs

Lower the mixer speed again. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each until incorporated before adding another. Then add the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Bake Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven. Let them cool in their pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade creation!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, serving it creatively can elevate the experience.

Classic Slices

• Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy addition.
• Pair with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add a pop of color and flavor.

Layered Dessert

• Create a layered dessert by stacking slices with layers of your favorite frosting or even ice cream in between.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Mini Cakes

• Cut the cake into smaller squares and serve as mini desserts at gatherings.
• Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Cake Pops

• Crumble leftover cake and mix it with frosting to form cake pops.
• Dip in chocolate and sprinkle with colorful toppings for a fun treat.

Frosting Options

• Top the cake with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even vanilla icing for added sweetness.
• Experiment with flavored frostings like lemon or chocolate to complement the vanilla base.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Slice the cake into thick pieces and sandwich your favorite ice cream between them.
• Roll the edges in sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

Achieving the perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs, butter, and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup without packing it down. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough texture due to gluten development.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. An inconsistent oven temperature can affect how evenly your cake bakes.
• Cool properly: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture while cooling.
• Experiment with extracts: While vanilla is classic, try adding almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade Vanilla Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its sweetness. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse complements the lightness of vanilla perfectly.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent pairing that everyone loves.
4. Berry Compote: A warm berry compote drizzled over each slice brings tartness and vibrant colors.
5. Lemon Curd: The tangy flavor of lemon curd contrasts beautifully with the sweet vanilla cake.
6. Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or herbal tea provides warmth and enhances dessert flavors during afternoon gatherings.
7. Pecan Praline Sauce: Drizzling this nutty sauce over slices adds crunch and richness that elevates every bite.
8. Caramel Sauce: A simple drizzle of homemade caramel sauce creates an exquisite finish that guests will adore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making a Homemade Vanilla Cake. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for a lighter texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined, especially after adding eggs.
• Incorrect baking time: Baking for too long can dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Ignoring cooling time: Trying to frost a warm cake can ruin the frosting and the cake structure. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap individual layers in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each slice on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Homemade Vanilla Cake?

You can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk. This will mimic the acidity needed for the recipe.

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

In addition to pure vanilla extract, consider adding almond extract or using vanilla bean paste for a richer taste.

How can I customize my Homemade Vanilla Cake?

You can add citrus zest, chocolate chips, or nuts to the batter for different flavors and textures.

What frosting pairs best with Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream is popular, but cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache also works beautifully with this cake.

Is this Homemade Vanilla Cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! Its classic flavor makes it perfect for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only simple and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different flavors or frostings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Try it today!