Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe: A Simple Delight for Every Baker
Are you craving a moist, delicious vanilla cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy vanilla cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers a classic vanilla flavor that everyone loves. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and helps neutralize any acidity in the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides that classic vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup (240ml) milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfect vanilla cake every time.
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Alternate 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 & Frost:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let it cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
Variations & Flavor Enhancements:
This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless variations. Try adding:
- Chocolate chips: For a delicious chocolate vanilla swirl.
- Lemon zest: For a bright and zesty twist.
- Sprinkles: For a fun and festive touch.
- Different frostings: Experiment with cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, or even a simple glaze.
This easy vanilla cake recipe is a guaranteed success. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Happy baking!
