Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or simple family gathering. With an incredibly soft crumb and rich vanilla flavor, this cake stands out as both impressive and easy to make. Perfect for beginners and versatile enough to pair with any frosting, it’s sure to leave everyone wanting more.

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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: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Classic Slice
• Frosted Delight
• Fruit Topping
• Ice Cream Pairing
• Layered Dessert
• Cake Trifle
• 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
• How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?
• Can I substitute buttermilk in this Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe?
• What is the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• How long does it take to bake Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe is a one-bowl wonder, simplifying your baking process without sacrificing flavor.
• Delicious Flavor: The use of high-quality vanilla extract ensures a delightful vanilla taste that is simply irresistible.
• Versatile Uses: Dress it up for celebrations or enjoy it plain; this cake fits any occasion perfectly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite frosting or toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Impressive Appearance: With its golden edges and fluffy texture, this cake looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools for a smooth experience in making this delicious homemade vanilla cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a consistent batter.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.

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 their bottoms with parchment paper. 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 following dry ingredients:
1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt

Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture develops a coarse texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix for about 1 minute until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Lower the mixer speed again and add in each of the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. Finally, add in the egg whites, beating on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth out the tops before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until you see golden brown edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove the cakes from oven and allow them to cool in their pans for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Homemade Vanilla Cake, perfect for any sweet occasion!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade vanilla cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just treating yourself, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of homemade vanilla cake on its own for a comforting treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.

Frosted Delight

• Top your cake with your favorite frosting, such as classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting, for an indulgent dessert experience.

Fruit Topping

• Add fresh seasonal fruits like berries or sliced peaches on top of the frosted cake for a refreshing twist and added color.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is irresistible!

Layered Dessert

• Create a layered dessert by cutting the cake into smaller pieces and stacking them with layers of whipped cream and fruit in a glass.

Cake Trifle

• Make a delicious trifle by layering cubes of homemade vanilla cake with pudding, whipped cream, and fruit in a large bowl or individual cups.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To ensure your homemade vanilla cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and vanilla extract for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.

• Room Temperature Items: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.

• Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can lead to a dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cake texture.

• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake for doneness at the lower end of the baking time range to prevent overbaking.

• Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and creates better presentation.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with homemade vanilla cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and acidity that complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a fluffy contrast that pairs wonderfully with every bite of rich vanilla flavor.

3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds decadence and richness that satisfies chocolate lovers.

4. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel drizzle brings a delightful balance to the vanilla flavor, enhancing its sweetness even more.

5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can top their slices with their favorite ice cream flavors and toppings.

6. Coffee or Tea: Offer hot beverages like coffee or tea to complement the flavors of the homemade vanilla cake while providing warmth.

7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from assorted fruits creates a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake can be tricky if you’re not aware of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong flour – Always use cake flour for a lighter texture. All-purpose flour can lead to denser cakes.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients – Cold eggs or butter can affect the batter’s consistency. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
• Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake. Overmixing develops gluten and results in a dense final product.
• Not checking doneness – Rely on visual cues alone. Always use a toothpick to check if the center of the cake is baked through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes to warm slices evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

Adding an extra splash of vanilla extract or using vanilla bean paste can enhance flavor significantly.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added as a substitute for buttermilk.

What is the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream pairs wonderfully, but chocolate buttercream also adds a nice touch.

How long does it take to bake Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Typically, it takes about 25-30 minutes when baked in two 9-inch pans.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different frostings or add-ins like fruits or nuts. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a treat, this recipe will impress everyone who tries it. Give it a try!