Homemade Vanilla Cake

This Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With its soft and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a delightful treat at home. Its heavenly vanilla flavor makes it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with various frostings or enjoyed plain. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this cake promises to impress your family and friends.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Add Butter and Combine
• Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Add Eggs
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool
• How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Add Whipped Cream
• Serve with Ice Cream
• Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
• Top with Buttercream Frosting
• Garnish with Edible Flowers
• How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?
• Can I substitute buttermilk in this Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe?
• What frosting goes best with Homemade Vanilla Cake?
• How long does Homemade Vanilla Cake last at room temperature?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This one-bowl dessert is simple and straightforward, perfect for novice bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich vanilla taste shines through, making every bite delightful.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—birthday parties, holidays, or a casual afternoon snack.
• Customizable: Pair it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain for a classic treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Pre-measure the dry ingredients for quick assembly later or as a thoughtful gift.

Tools and Preparation

To make this homemade vanilla cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having these tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Mixing spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
• 9-inch round cake pans: The ideal size for perfectly baked layers that stack beautifully.
• Mixing spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Ingredients

This classic vanilla cake recipe is a simple yet impressive one-bowl dessert. With a soft, tender crumb and heavenly vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for beginners and pairs beautifully with any frosting.

For the Cake

• 3 ¾ cups (390 grams) cake flour (or 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour)
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature

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How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper. Spray only the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray; do not spray the sides of the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine:
1. Flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.

Step 3: Add Butter and Combine

Add the unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until you achieve a coarse texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add in the buttermilk and pure vanilla extract. Mix for about 1 minute until combined. Then increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Lower the mixer speed again and add each egg one at a time, mixing each until fully incorporated. Once all eggs are added, include the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until you have a smooth batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops as necessary. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown edges form and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Serving your Homemade Vanilla Cake can be a delightful experience. This cake pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the sweetness of the cake while adding a refreshing touch.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and richness, making each bite indulgent.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or chocolate ice cream creates a classic combination that is always a crowd-pleaser.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm chocolate drizzle over the cake brings an exciting contrast in flavors and textures.

Top with Buttercream Frosting

• Classic buttercream frosting enhances the vanilla flavor and adds a beautiful finish to your cake.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• For a sophisticated look, decorate the top of the cake with edible flowers for a pop of color and elegance.

How to Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake

To ensure your Homemade Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smooth batter that rises evenly.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups without packing it down to avoid a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined after adding eggs. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool fully on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla is classic, adding citrus zest or almond extract can enhance the flavor profile.

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Best Side Dishes for Homemade Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Vanilla Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers a decadent contrast that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
3. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert complements the cake’s texture while adding an elegant touch.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce over the cake adds richness and depth of flavor.
5. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the overall experience by balancing sweetness.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can add savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweet vanilla cake.
7. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up toppings for guests to customize their sundaes alongside slices of cake for added fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a homemade vanilla cake can be straightforward, but small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not emulsify properly, making your cake dense.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding flour can develop gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements. Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, making your cake dry.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your pans with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Without it, you might lose parts of your cake when trying to remove it from the pan.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Homemade Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Wrap the cake in foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warm (about 5 minutes).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Homemade Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

Adding extra vanilla extract or using vanilla bean paste enhances the flavor of your homemade vanilla cake significantly.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Homemade Vanilla Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added as a buttermilk substitute.

What frosting goes best with Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with homemade vanilla cake, offering a delicious contrast in flavors.

How long does Homemade Vanilla Cake last at room temperature?

Homemade vanilla cake lasts about 2 days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This homemade vanilla cake recipe is both simple and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Customize it with different frostings or fillings to suit your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want a delicious treat, this classic dessert will surely impress!

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