Classic Vanilla Cake: A Simple and Elegant Dessert Delight

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for a classic Vanilla Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Making the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  1. Add Eggs:
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  1. Bake:
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter:
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  1. Add Sugar:
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until well combined.
  1. Add Cream and Vanilla:
  • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Level the Cakes:
  • If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking.
  1. Frost the Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
  1. Decorate:
  • Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fruit, or any other toppings you like.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Vanilla Cake!