Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

Indulge in Sweet Bliss: The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

Unleash your inner baker and treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with this mouthwatering Vanilla Cake recipe. Perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake boasts a tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and a hint of creamy goodness. Get ready to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds with this irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Cake
  • 2 Cups / 250g Flour
  • 1 1/3 Cup / 260g White Sugar (divided)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 225g / 2 Sticks / 1 Cup Butter
  • 3 Eggs
  • 125ml / 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
  • 120g / 1/2 Cup Sour Cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Incorporate Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream until evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring not to overmix.
7. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Enhance with Extracts: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to the batter along with the milk.
• Customize with Frosting: Pair this vanilla cake with your favorite frosting, such as classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped ganache. Get creative with flavors and decorations to suit the occasion.
• Layer and Fill: Create a show-stopping layer cake by doubling the recipe and stacking multiple cake layers with frosting or fruit preserves between each layer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While unsalted butter is typically preferred in baking to control the salt content, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the additional salt in the recipe and adjust accordingly.

Q: Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt or buttermilk? A: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk for similar results. These alternatives will add moisture and richness to the cake batter.

Q: How should I store leftover cake? A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness. If refrigerated, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this vanilla cake, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for the white sugar. Use melted butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter, and opt for full-fat coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk. Adjust the quantities of ingredients to fit your keto macros.

Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or replace it with a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. Use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the flour base, and incorporate additional eggs for structure and moisture. Experiment with alternative dairy products such as almond milk or coconut cream to reduce the carb content further.

The Best Vanilla Cake recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to delight your senses with its heavenly aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this irresistible vanilla cake, and let its deliciousness take center stage at your next gathering!