This vanilla glazed cake is a delightful treat that combines a fluffy, moist cake with a sweet, colorful glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are always impressive.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup oil
- 7 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons water
- 1 drop of pink food coloring (or more to taste)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter, giving your cake a light and airy texture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. This helps to distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that your cake rises uniformly.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan, or 20-25 minutes for 9-inch round pans. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add a drop of pink food coloring to the glaze and stir until the color is evenly distributed. You can adjust the intensity of the color by adding more food coloring, but start with just a drop to avoid making the color too intense.
Step 5: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving platter or leave it on the wire rack with a tray underneath to catch any excess glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to help spread the glaze evenly if needed. The glaze should set within a few minutes, giving the cake a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Allow the glaze to set completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients to combine more easily and gives the cake a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing, as a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and run off.
Serving Suggestions:
This vanilla glazed cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate the cake to keep the glaze from melting.
Final Thoughts:
This cake is a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. The combination of a moist, tender cake with a sweet, colorful glaze makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this vanilla glazed cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy baking and, of course, indulging in this delightful treat!
