Why Classic Vanilla Cake?
Nothing beats a classic vanilla cake! This cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings. It is a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves, and it is simple to make. With this recipe, you will learn how to make a moist, fluffy, and delicious classic vanilla cake that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 120g unsalted butter, softened
- 240ml whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20cm) cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, frost and decorate as desired.
Variations
Vegan Vanilla Cake
To make this classic vanilla cake vegan, you can substitute the eggs and the milk. Use 240ml of almond milk instead of whole milk and swap the eggs for 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water).
Chocolate Vanilla Cake
If you love chocolate, you can add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour by 1/4 cup. This will give you a delicious chocolate and vanilla cake!
Lemon Vanilla Cake
For a tangy twist on this classic vanilla cake, add 2 tbsp of lemon zest to the batter and use 240ml of buttermilk instead of whole milk. You can also make a lemon glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp of lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cake.
Conclusion
This Classic Vanilla Cake recipe is a must-try for any baker! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love. Whether you make it for a birthday, wedding, or just because, this cake is sure to impress!
FAQ
What is a Classic Vanilla Cake?
A Classic Vanilla Cake is a simple, light and fluffy cake made from butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, milk and vanilla extract.
Is it necessary to use cake flour in this recipe?
Yes, cake flour is essential to achieve the light and fluffy texture of a Classic Vanilla Cake. It has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which results in a more tender crumb.
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this recipe?
While you can substitute butter with margarine, the texture and flavor of the cake may be affected. Butter has a higher fat content than margarine, which contributes to the richness and flavor of the cake.
Can I use almond or any other flavor instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, you can use almond extract or any other flavor of your choice instead of vanilla extract. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be different.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar for?
Cream the butter and sugar together for at least 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, which helps the cake to rise and become light.
Can I bake this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can bake this cake in different size pans, but the baking time and temperature may need to be adjusted accordingly. A larger pan will require less time to bake, while a smaller pan will require more time.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake in advance. You can store the cake at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Alternatively, gently press the center of the cake with your finger, it should spring back when it is done.
Can I decorate this cake with frosting?
Yes, you can decorate this cake with frosting. A simple buttercream frosting or whipped cream frosting is a great option.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
This cake will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
