Vanilla Cake

Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of Vanilla Cake, a classic dessert perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home. This delightful cake boasts a tender crumb and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Whether layered with frosting or served plain, this vanilla cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions—from elegant weddings to casual family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delicious cake.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and vanilla creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Base: Perfect for layering with different frostings or fillings, making it adaptable for any occasion.
• Perfect Texture: Achieve a light and airy cake that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Great for Leftovers: This vanilla cake stays moist for days, allowing you to enjoy it longer.

Tools and Preparation

To make this vanilla cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline the baking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Three 6-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools make beating butter and sugar effortless, achieving the creamy texture needed for the cake.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep ingredients organized and ensures thorough mixing of dry and wet components.
• Cooling rack: This allows cakes to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

For the Cake

• 2 cups cake flour (280 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 egg whites
• 2 sticks of butter (226 g) – room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar (280 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (125 g) – room temperature

For the Frosting

• 1 cup butter (227 g) – room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco) (100 g)
• 6 cups sifted powdered sugar (750 g)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 6-inch cake tins by buttering and flouring them, then lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Whisk together until evenly mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together milk, sour cream, and vanilla until combined.
2. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using your stand mixer or handheld mixer:
1. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed (4) for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Whites

Whisk egg whites in a small bowl:
1. Slowly drizzle the egg whites into the mixture while on low speed (2).
2. Once all egg whites are added, increase speed to high (8) for about 1-2 minutes until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

On low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredients until barely incorporated.
2. Add half of the milk mixture; mix for a few seconds.
3. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients followed by remaining milk mixture.
4. Stop mixing when just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans:
1. Fill each pan about one-third full.
2. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 15-20 minutes:
1. Gently remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy this delightful vanilla cake as it brings joy to every occasion!

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Vanilla cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your vanilla cake experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of vanilla cake with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a classic dessert.

Fresh Berries

• Pair your vanilla cake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your cake for an extra creamy delight that complements the flavors beautifully.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake to create a rich and decadent treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover.

Fruit Compote

• Serve with a side of homemade fruit compote to add sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Achieving the perfect vanilla cake requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your vanilla cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down to avoid a dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with vanilla cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options you might consider serving alongside your cake.

1. Coffee – A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of vanilla cake.

2. Espresso – For those who enjoy bold flavors, espresso adds a rich contrast to the dessert’s sweetness.

3. Chocolate Mousse – This rich, creamy dessert provides an elegant touch when served next to vanilla cake.

4. Custard – A smooth custard sauce drizzled over or under the cake creates a deliciously rich combination.

5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers freshness and balances the richness of the cake nicely.

6. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites add creaminess and a tangy flavor that pairs well with sweet vanilla notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vanilla Cake can seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can cause the batter to not emulsify properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can develop gluten, making the cake dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your pans can lead to sticking. Always line with parchment to ensure easy removal.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Oven temps vary; always preheat properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover vanilla cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Wrap slices of vanilla cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place the slice in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making a Vanilla Cake.

What makes this Vanilla Cake so special?

This vanilla cake is incredibly moist and fluffy, thanks to the combination of butter, egg whites, and sour cream, ensuring every bite is delightful.

Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist on this classic vanilla cake recipe.

How do I prevent my Vanilla Cake from sinking?

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. Properly preheating your oven also helps.

Can I make this Vanilla Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerate it.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different frostings or fillings based on your taste preferences. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy dessert at home, this recipe is sure to impress everyone who tries it. Give it a go!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Vanilla Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in a slice of delightful Vanilla Cake, a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of vanilla with a tender crumb, creating a cake that is both fluffy and moist. Whether layered with your favorite frosting or enjoyed plain, this cake is sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings alike. It’s versatile enough for elegant weddings or casual family gatherings, making it a must-try for any home baker. With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll find yourself baking this comforting treat again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cake flour (280 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 egg whites
• 2 sticks of butter (226 g) – room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar (280 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (125 g) – room temperature
• 1 cup butter (227 g) – room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco) (100 g)
• 6 cups sifted powdered sugar (750 g)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare three 6-inch round cake pans by buttering and flouring them.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and vanilla; set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugar until smooth; gradually add egg whites while mixing.
5. Alternately blend in the dry mixture and milk mixture until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes in the pans for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg