Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its soft and tender crumb, and a rich vanilla flavor, it stands out as a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, this cake is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with various frostings. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly delightful!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Butter
• Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Eggs
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool Down
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Classic Slice
• With Fresh Berries
• Ice Cream Delight
• Layered with Frosting
• Drizzled with Ganache
• Whipped Cream Topping
• 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 in my Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• How long does it take to bake a Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• What frosting goes best with Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile Flavor: The classic vanilla taste complements any frosting or filling you choose.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this cake into cupcakes or use different baking pans for fun shapes.
• Great for Beginners: Simple steps make it an excellent choice for those new to baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Wire rack for cooling

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Ensures thorough mixing, resulting in a smooth batter without lumps.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing the cakes from the pans much easier.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Homemade Vanilla Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

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 the bottoms with parchment paper and spraying only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Avoid spraying the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the following:
* Cake flour
* Granulated sugar
* Baking powder
* Fine sea salt

Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Butter

Add the room-temperature unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed for about one minute until the mixture has a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low. Add in:
* Buttermilk
* Pure vanilla extract

Mix for one minute until everything is combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional thirty seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Again reduce the mixer speed to low. Add each of the three large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Lastly, add in two large egg whites. Beat on medium-high speed for thirty seconds until your batter is smooth.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven 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 Down

Remove cakes from oven and let them cool in their pans for five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Homemade Vanilla Cake, perfect for any celebration!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving Homemade Vanilla Cake can elevate any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings. Here are some delightful ways to present this classic dessert.

Classic Slice

• A traditional slice served plain allows the rich vanilla flavor to shine through, making it a timeless choice.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.

Ice Cream Delight

• Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat that balances the cake’s sweetness.

Layered with Frosting

• Serve the cake layered with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream or cream cheese, for an indulgent experience.

Drizzled with Ganache

• A warm chocolate ganache drizzle adds richness and contrast to the light vanilla cake, making it irresistible.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream on top provides a fluffy texture that complements the soft crumb of the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To ensure your Homemade Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and contributes to a better rise.
• Measure Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
• Don’t Over Mix: Mix just until combined after adding the wet ingredients. Over mixing can lead to a tough cake due to gluten development.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature. An inaccurate oven can affect baking times and results.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Experiment with Flavorings: Feel free to add almond extract or citrus zest for additional flavor layers in your vanilla cake.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Vanilla Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these delightful options:

1. Coffee: A rich cup of coffee is perfect alongside vanilla cake, balancing its sweetness with robust flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds natural sweetness and complements the cake’s flavor profile without overwhelming it.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The creamy texture of chocolate mousse contrasts nicely with the fluffy cake for an elevated dessert experience.
4. Lemon Sorbet: A light lemon sorbet provides a tart contrast that refreshes the palate after enjoying rich vanilla cake.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with vanilla cake, offering a savory balance to the sweet dessert.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love variety, serving pecan pie bars adds crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with soft vanilla cake.
7. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt parfaits with granola and berries can serve as a lighter accompaniment that mirrors the cake’s flavors.
8. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea enhances the cozy vibe when serving homemade vanilla cake at gatherings or afternoon teas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a Homemade Vanilla Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and result in uneven mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined, especially after adding dry ingredients.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of flour and sugar. Too much or too little can drastically change the cake’s outcome.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Always line your cake pans with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cake come out smoothly.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and undesirable texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

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

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by using high-quality vanilla extract or adding vanilla bean paste.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in my Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different—less tender than when using cake flour.

How long does it take to bake a Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Typically, it takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) when using two round pans.

What frosting goes best with Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream or chocolate buttercream pairs wonderfully with this vanilla cake, but feel free to get creative!

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe makes excellent cupcakes; bake them for about 30-35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different frostings or fillings. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up, this cake is sure to impress any crowd. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe!