Description
This homemade vanilla cake recipe offers a classic, moist, and fluffy cake perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this vanilla cake delivers pure delight with a rich buttery flavor and a soft crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking and allow for easy removal after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy, providing a good base for the cake texture.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Mix in vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a fragrant and classic vanilla flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This helps maintain the batter’s smoothness and prevents overmixing.
- Pour batter into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the surface for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that the cakes are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before removing them. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Check doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
- You can double the recipe if you want a thicker cake or more layers.
- This vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with buttercream frosting or fresh fruit toppings.
