Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is the ultimate treat, perfect for any occasion. Its soft texture and rich vanilla flavor make it a crowd-pleaser, whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as an everyday dessert. Easy to make in one bowl, this cake allows for endless frosting possibilities, creating a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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 Cakes
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Frosted Delights
• Fresh Fruits
• Ice Cream Pairing
• Whipped Cream
• Sauces and Syrups
• 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 use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
• What is the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This vanilla cake requires just one bowl and minimal effort, making it ideal for beginners.
• Delicious Flavor: The use of high-quality vanilla extract ensures a rich and aromatic taste that stands out.
• Versatile Options: Enjoy it plain, with buttercream frosting, or transform it into cupcakes for parties.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dry ingredients in advance for quick baking on busy days.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of buttermilk guarantees a tender, moist crumb in every slice.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: Ensures even mixing and saves time when combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are essential for the best results.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the cake from the pans effortless.

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

PIN THIS!

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. 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 combined.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the dry ingredients:
1. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until you achieve a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Add Eggs

Reduce mixer speed to low once 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 the batter evenly between your prepared pans:
1. Smooth out the tops.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown edges appear.
3. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Remove cakes from 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.

Now you have a delightful Homemade Vanilla Cake ready to impress!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Homemade Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your cake experience.

Frosted Delights

• Classic Buttercream: Spread a layer of smooth buttercream frosting for a traditional touch.
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle rich chocolate ganache on top for a decadent contrast to the vanilla flavor.

Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Top your cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream: The cookie dough adds a fun texture and flavor contrast.

Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the cake’s moisture perfectly.

Sauces and Syrups

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent treat.
• Berry Compote: A homemade berry compote adds both sweetness and tanginess.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

Achieving the perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cakes caused by too much flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cakes due to gluten development.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; ovens can often run hotter or cooler than indicated.
• Cool Layers Properly: Allow cakes to cool in the pans before transferring them to prevent breakage and maintain structure.
• Experiment with Flavorings: Try adding almond extract or lemon zest for unique twists on the classic vanilla flavor.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Vanilla Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY sundae bar with various toppings for guests to enjoy alongside their slices.
3. Coffee or Tea Service: Serve with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a warm, comforting pairing.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese as a savory counterpoint to the sweet cake.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping fruits and cake pieces, creating an interactive dessert experience.
6. Pudding Cups: Individual servings of vanilla or chocolate pudding can provide creamy contrasts to the cake’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Homemade Vanilla Cake can be simple, but there are common missteps that can impact your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven batter. Always bring them to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can create a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can lead to underbaked or overbaked cakes. Always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Always check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store your cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• • Containers: Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F; cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

Adding a little extra vanilla extract or using vanilla bean paste enhances the flavor significantly.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the cake may have a denser texture than when made with cake flour.

What is the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream is a popular choice and pairs beautifully with vanilla flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check if it requires any adjustments in liquid or leavening agents.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter, which can cause deflation.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. You can easily customize it with different frostings or mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own delightful dessert!

---