Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that brings joy to any celebration. Its rich, moist texture and delightful flavor make it perfect for birthdays, weddings, or simply a sweet treat after dinner. This recipe stands out with its lightness and versatility, allowing you to pair it with various frostings or fruits for an extra touch. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this Vanilla Cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking this cake is a breeze.
• Versatile Flavor: The subtle vanilla flavor pairs well with countless toppings and fillings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it a birthday party or a casual family dinner, this cake fits right in.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture: The combination of butter and sour cream creates an incredibly tender crumb.
• Great for Leftovers: This cake stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for enjoying later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools needed to create your Vanilla Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 6-inch cake pans (3)
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter, ensuring a smooth blend.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups cake flour (280 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 egg whites
• 2 sticks of butter (226 g) – room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar (280 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (125 g) – room temperature

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup butter (227 g) – room temperature
• 1/2 cup shortening (Crisco) (100 g)
• 6 cups sifted powdered sugar (750 g)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare three 6-inch cake tins by buttering and flouring them, then lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Whisk together until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another small bowl:
1. Mix together the milk, sour cream, and vanilla.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using your stand mixer or handheld mixer:
1. Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Whites

Whisk the egg whites together with a fork.
1. Slowly drizzle the egg whites into the butter mixture while keeping it on low speed until fully incorporated.
2. Increase speed to high for about 1-2 minutes until well blended.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

On low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredients followed by half of the milk mixture. Mix briefly.
2. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and milk mixture.
3. Turn off the mixer and fold in any remaining batter using a rubber spatula—avoid overmixing!

Step 7: Bake Cakes

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans, filling each about one-third full.
1. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Let cakes cool in pans for about 15-20 minutes before gently removing them from the pans.
Place on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy creating your delicious Vanilla Cake!

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Serving Vanilla Cake can be a delightful experience, and there are numerous ways to enhance its presentation and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Fresh Whipped Cream – Top slices of vanilla cake with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition.

Fruit Compote Topping

• Berry Compote – Drizzle warm berry compote over each slice for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that complements the cake’s flavors.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• Rich Chocolate Ganache – Pour silky chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent finish that pairs beautifully with vanilla.

Nutty Crunch

• Chopped Nuts – Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for added texture and a nutty flavor contrast.

Festive Sprinkles

• Colorful Sprinkles – Add fun sprinkles for birthdays or celebrations, making the cake visually appealing and festive.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Perfecting your Vanilla Cake is all about attention to detail and technique. Keep these tips in mind for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter that incorporates air well.
• Measure Flour Correctly – Scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cakes from excess flour.
• Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Use an Oven Thermometer – Verify your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Cakes Properly – Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures better layer stability.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with Vanilla Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Consider these delightful options that complement the cake beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate mousse provides a creamy contrast to the lightness of vanilla cake.
3. Sorbet Selection – Offer fruit sorbets as a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs well with sweet desserts.
4. Creamy Custard – A smooth custard sauce drizzled over each slice enhances flavor while adding richness.
5. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats provide a delightful texture contrast alongside soft vanilla cake.
6. Panna Cotta – This silky dessert can be flavored with vanilla or citrus, adding elegance when served beside vanilla cake.
7. Lemon Curd Tarts – Tart lemon curd tarts provide a zesty kick, making them an exciting pairing with sweet vanilla flavors.
8. Almond Biscotti – Crisp almond biscotti offers crunch and pairs perfectly when dipped into coffee or tea alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vanilla Cake can be simple, but certain mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can prevent proper creaming and mixing. Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined to keep your Vanilla Cake light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour in your recipe. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: Baking in a cold oven affects how your cake rises and cooks. Always preheat your oven before starting.
• Using the wrong pan size: If you don’t use the correct size cake pans, baking times will vary, affecting the final product. Stick to 6-inch pans as specified in this recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Vanilla Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container.
• Frozen layers can last up to 3 months; remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 10-15 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding Vanilla Cake that might help you enhance your baking experience.

How do I know when my Vanilla Cake is done?

Check if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with minimal crumbs attached. This indicates it’s fully baked.

Can I substitute ingredients in my Vanilla Cake?

Yes! You can use plant-based substitutes like almond milk instead of regular milk or coconut oil instead of butter for different flavors.

What’s the best way to frost my Vanilla Cake?

Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting. A crumb coat helps keep loose crumbs from ruining your frosting layer.

How do I make my Vanilla Cake more flavorful?

Incorporate additional flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest alongside vanilla. Adding spices like cinnamon can also elevate taste.

Can I make this Vanilla Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time, allowing you to decorate it closer to your serving date.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain or customize it with different frostings and fillings, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and decorations!