Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe: A Beginner's Guide to Baking Success
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious vanilla cake recipe that even a baking novice can master? Look no further! This recipe is designed for beginners, requiring minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this moist and fluffy vanilla cake.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common ingredients readily available in most pantries. You probably already have most of them!
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure of your cake.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your cake rise beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for extra lift and a tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake. Adjust to your preference.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a classic vanilla flavor. Pure vanilla extract is best!
- 1 cup (240ml) milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures even mixing and a better texture. Measure out all your dry ingredients into separate bowls for easier access.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer is recommended for this step, but you can also do it by hand, though it will require more effort. The mixture should be pale and creamy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients
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! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Frost (Optional)
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it with your favorite frosting or simply dust it with powdered sugar.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a better texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to check if the cake is baked through.
- Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Vanilla Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Vanilla Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
This easy vanilla cake recipe is a perfect starting point for your baking journey. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations with us! Happy baking!
