If you’ve ever wanted to bake a classic vanilla cake but were intimidated by the process, don’t worry! This simple vanilla cake recipe is perfect for beginners, and it’s a great starting point to build your baking skills. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a simple family dinner, or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is versatile, delicious, and budget-friendly.
So, let’s dive into this easy recipe vanilla cake and create something wonderful in your kitchen!
Why Make a Vanilla Cake?
Vanilla cake is a timeless favorite because it’s light, moist, and flavorful. With its simple ingredients, it’s easy to customize with fun fillings or toppings like vanilla buttercream frosting. Plus, it’s the perfect base for vanilla cake cupcakes, or you can serve it as a full-sized cake for any occasion.
When you’re new to baking, making a vanilla cake is a great way to practice key skills like mixing ingredients and using your oven properly. And with this best vanilla cake recipe, you’ll feel confident and excited about your baking!
Ingredients for Your Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
Before we get started, gather these simple ingredients to create your recipe vanilla cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
If you want to make vanilla cake cupcakes, just follow the same recipe, but pour the batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin instead of a cake pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Your Vanilla Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan (or use cupcake liners if making cupcakes). This will help your cake come out easily after baking!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for getting that perfect cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This will add moisture and flavor to your cake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start with a little dry ingredients, then milk, mixing gently until combined. Finish with the dry ingredients, and be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you’re making cupcakes, bake for around 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, you can whip up some vanilla buttercream frosting!
How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Here’s a simple and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting to pair with your cake:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
Instructions:
- Beat the butter with an electric mixer until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting generously over your cooled cake and enjoy!
Budget-Friendly Tips for Baking Your Vanilla Cake
- Use what you have: If you’re running low on butter, you can substitute with vegetable oil or even yogurt to help keep your cake moist.
- Make cupcakes: Instead of buying an expensive cake mix, you can use this vanilla cake cupcake recipe and make mini treats that go further for parties.
- Use store-brand ingredients: Opt for store-brand flour, sugar, and other baking ingredients to keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
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FAQs About Vanilla Cake
What’s the difference between vanilla cake and white cake?
Vanilla cake often contains eggs and butter, giving it a rich flavor. White cake, on the other hand, uses only egg whites and typically has a more neutral flavor.
Is it better to make a vanilla cake with oil or butter?
Butter gives your cake a rich flavor, while oil can make it moister. You can experiment with both, but for a beginner, stick with butter for flavor and texture.
Does sour cream make cake moist?
Yes! Sour cream can add moisture and richness to your cake, making it more tender.
Can you add vanilla to the white cake mix?
Definitely! Adding vanilla extract to a white cake mix enhances the flavor, giving it a delicious vanilla taste.
Which flavor is best in a vanilla cake?
Classic vanilla extract is usually the best flavor, but you can add a hint of almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist.
Which vanilla is best for baking cake?
Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Avoid artificial vanilla, as it lacks the richness of pure vanilla.
What’s the difference between a French vanilla cake mix and a vanilla cake mix?
French vanilla cake mix has a richer, creamier flavor due to the addition of egg yolks and sometimes a hint of caramel or custard flavor.
How important is a vanilla extract in a cake?
Vanilla extract is crucial in cake-making as it adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
What is the difference between angel food cake and vanilla cake?
Angel food cake is light and airy, made with egg whites and no fat, while vanilla cake is richer and denser, typically made with whole eggs and butter.
Is birthday cake flavor just vanilla?
Birthday cake flavor is often a vanilla cake with fun, colorful sprinkles and sometimes a bit of almond flavor added.
Can you use half butter and half oil in the cake?
Yes! Using both oil and butter can help keep your cake moist while still providing that rich butter flavor.
With this easy recipe vanilla cake and vanilla buttercream frosting, you’ve got everything you need to bake a delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this simple vanilla cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!