Get ready to transform your baking game with this foolproof Easy Homemade Vanilla Cake that will make everyone think you're a professional pastry chef! Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with an intoxicating vanilla aroma. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a dessert so delicious, it'll become your go-to recipe for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the three large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the flour mixture, then add half of the milk, followed by another third of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the flour. Mix until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite frosting or serve them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to guarantee a smooth, even batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure your cake rises properly and has a perfect texture.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute some milk with buttermilk or sour cream.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
