Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe
There are moments in life that are truly special, and few things can evoke nostalgia quite like a slice of Classic Vanilla Cake. This delightful dessert offers the warm embrace of home-baked goodness, infused with the sentimental sweetness of childhood celebrations. Imagine the scent of warm vanilla wafting through your kitchen, the anticipation of indulging in a moist, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients, this crowd-pleaser is both a fast and fun treat to bake, making it perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. With a classic vanilla flavor that gets everyone’s taste buds tingling, this recipe is not just about the dessert; it’s about creating cherished memories.
Are you craving something sweet and nostalgic right now?
Think back to those moments when you would walk into the kitchen and smell something heavenly baking in the oven. Maybe it was your mother or grandmother whipping up a cake for a special occasion. Or perhaps you have fond memories of licking the frosting off the beaters after helping with the baking. Now, ask yourself: wouldn’t you love to recreate that comforting experience in your own home? This Classic Vanilla Cake is your ticket to those joyful moments, and it’s so easy to make that it will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its delicate flavor appeals to everyone, making it a hit for all ages.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of common pantry staples, whipping up this cake is both economical and fast.
Versatile: You can dress it up with frosting, fresh fruits, or serve it plain—there’s a style for every dessert lover!
Ingredients
To create this irresistible Classic Vanilla Cake, gather the following ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour: Creamy and soft, this is the basis of the cake, providing it with structure.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness that rounds out the cake’s flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: When creamed, it elevates the cake to a rich, indulgent experience.
1 cup milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The star of the show, providing that delightful, sweet aroma.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness, bringing out the cake’s flavors.
3 large eggs: Contributes to the fluffiness and richness of the cake.
Timing
When it comes to baking this Classic Vanilla Cake, you’ll find it’s a delightful mix of fast and indulgent. The prep time is quick, taking around 20 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix them together. Baking it takes approximately 25-30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those spontaneous sweet cravings. The instant result? A fragrant, mouthwatering vanilla cake that promises to whisk you back to your sweetest memories, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself.
Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), getting it nice and warm for the cake.
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure a flawless release.
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—allowing the dry ingredients to mingle.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, the heart of your cake’s flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mixture, blending gently until just combined for that perfect cake texture.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, an exciting moment to look forward to!
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, frost with your favorite icing or serve it plain for an elegant, simple delight.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this Classic Vanilla Cake comes in at about 350 calories. While it’s undoubtedly an indulgence, think of it as a well-deserved treat for your taste buds. Remember, life’s all about balance, and this delicious cake offers moments of pure joy that are worth those few extra calories.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to make this cake a bit more figure-friendly, there are plenty of substitutions you can make without sacrificing flavor.
Low-Sugar Options: Swap granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia to cut down on calories.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Replace the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free treat.
These tweaks allow you to enjoy this Classic Vanilla Cake while aligning it with your health goals!
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to best enjoy your Classic Vanilla Cake? The options are endless!
With Ice Cream: A classic pairing—imagine warm slices topped with a generous scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Sweet perfection!
On Holidays: This versatile cake is perfect for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or just as a simple dessert enjoyed with family and friends.
With Fresh Fruits: Top with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing twist. Drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top for extra decadence.
Common Mistakes
When baking this Classic Vanilla Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure perfect results every time:
Overbaking: Keep an eye on those timer settings! Cakes can quickly go from moist to dry—check with a toothpick!
Texture Issues: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for that fluffy texture.
Messes: Avoid flour clouds by mixing your dry ingredients in a separate bowl before combining. Clean cooking is happy cooking!
Storing Tips
Want to enjoy your Classic Vanilla Cake well beyond baking day? Here’s how to store it:
Freezing Portions: Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in airtight containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer!
Reheating Instructions: Simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight and, if you like a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Tempting Readers to Bake It ASAP
Now that you’re armed with everything you need to make this Classic Vanilla Cake, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bring that nostalgia back into your kitchen, where you can create your own memories or share the joy with loved ones. The rich aroma, the fluffy texture, and the sweetness of pure vanilla are waiting! Roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s bake this delicious masterpiece together. You won’t regret the sweet satisfaction that follows!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.
2. How should I store leftover cake?
Place the leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it moist. You can refrigerate it for up to a week.
3. Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes! You can use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutes for an egg-free option.
4. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! By substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix, you can make this cake gluten-free without compromising taste.
5. What’s the best frosting for Classic Vanilla Cake?
Buttercream frosting is the classic go-to, but cream cheese icing, whipped cream, or even a rich chocolate ganache can elevate this cake to new heights!
Now, gather your ingredients and let that oven preheat! Happy baking!
Print
Classic Vanilla Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic and delightful dessert, this Classic Vanilla Cake offers moist, fluffy goodness and a warm vanilla aroma, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite icing or serve plain.
Notes
Store leftover cake in an airtight container to keep moist. You can freeze portions for up to three months and reheat in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
