Basic Vanilla Cake Recipe: A Simple Guide to Baking Success
This basic vanilla cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile – the perfect blank canvas for your favorite frostings and decorations. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a classic 9-inch round cake. You can easily double or halve it to suit your needs.
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure of your cake. Make sure it's properly measured – spooning it into the cup can lead to inaccuracies.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent, giving your cake its rise. Check the expiration date to ensure effectiveness.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder for optimal lift.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture. Bring them to room temperature for best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds delightful flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Use whole milk for the richest flavor.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra security.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake. An electric mixer makes this step much easier.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Vanilla Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and baking.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations & Ideas:
This basic recipe is a fantastic base for countless variations. Consider adding:
- Different Extracts: Experiment with almond, lemon, or orange extract.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a chocolate chip vanilla cake.
- Fruit: Add berries, bananas, or other fruits to the batter.
This basic vanilla cake recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results! Happy baking!
