Simple Vanilla Cake

Perfect Simplicity: Baking a Classic Vanilla Cake with Luscious Vanilla Frosting

A piece of well-made vanilla cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a canvas for celebrating life’s special moments. Our Simple Vanilla Cake recipe promises a moist, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, complemented by a velvety vanilla frosting. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a Sunday afternoon treat, this cake is as delightful to eat as it is straightforward to make.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (198 grams)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (346 grams)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (59 ml)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream (227 grams)
• ½ cup whole milk (118 ml)
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 2 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (565 grams)
• 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 6-10 cups powdered sugar (681-1135 grams), adjust based on desired sweetness
• 3-6 tbsp milk or heavy cream, adjust based on desired consistency

Directions

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350º F (177º C).
   • Grease two or three 8-inch springform pans with butter, and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar, and vegetable oil until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Ensure each ingredient is well incorporated before adding the next.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
   • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared pans.
   • Bake if using two pans for 40-50 minutes, or three pans for 32-37 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20-30 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing continuously. Add milk or cream as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
9. Assemble the Cake:
   • If necessary, level the tops of the cakes. Spread frosting between each layer, then coat the top and sides of the assembled cake.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 350 per serving
• Servings: 12

With its delightful vanilla essence and elegant simplicity, this cake stands out as a testament to the beauty of classic baking. Enjoy the process and the smiles it brings as you share this wonderful cake with loved ones.

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