Vanilla Cake

This Vanilla Cake recipe is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just a sweet craving. With its moist layers infused with rich vanilla flavor and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. The versatility of vanilla allows you to pair it with various fillings and toppings, making it a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This vanilla cake recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates an incredibly rich taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a tea party, this cake suits any event beautifully.
• Customizable: You can easily transform this cake into different flavors or add your favorite fillings and frostings to make it uniquely yours.
• Perfectly Moist: With the addition of sour cream and milk, this cake stays moist and tender, ensuring a delightful bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Essential for achieving a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing the ingredients without overworking them.
• Rubber spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
• Cake pans: The right size pans guarantee even baking and proper layer heights for stacking.

Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 cups cake flour (280 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoon 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 tsp 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:
1. Combine the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
2. Whisk together until well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand 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 to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Add Egg Whites

In another bowl:
1. Whisk the egg whites lightly with a fork.
2. Slowly drizzle them into the butter mixture on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Increase to high speed for about 1-2 minutes until combined; it may appear curdled but will smooth out.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixtures

On low speed:
1. Add half of the dry ingredient mixture until barely incorporated.
2. Then add half of the milk mixture; mix briefly.
3. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients followed by remaining milk mixture.
4. Turn off the mixer and use a rubber spatula to combine gently without overmixing.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans:
– Fill each pan about one-third full.
– Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Once baked:
1. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Gently remove from pans and place on wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Vanilla cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your vanilla cake experience.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Top slices of vanilla cake with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition that complements the rich flavors.

Fruit Compote Drizzle

• Serve with a warm fruit compote made from mixed berries or peaches. The sweetness of the compote enhances the vanilla flavor beautifully.

Chocolate Ganache Glaze

• Pour a smooth chocolate ganache over the cake for a decadent touch. This combination creates a delicious contrast with the vanilla base.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Offer scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside each slice. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the cake.

Fresh Berries and Mint

• Garnish your slices with fresh berries and mint leaves for a refreshing and vibrant presentation that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Layered Cake Sandwiches

• Cut slices into smaller pieces and layer them with frosting or jam to create mini cake sandwiches, ideal for parties or afternoon tea.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Creating the perfect vanilla cake requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out flawlessly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients like butter, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, as too much can lead to a dense cake.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt helps aerate them, resulting in a lighter batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can develop gluten and lead to tough cake.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before removing them from pans. This prevents crumbling and ensures they hold their shape.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add citrus zest or almond extract along with vanilla to enhance the flavor profile of your cake.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Serving side dishes alongside vanilla cake can enhance its appeal and create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the sweetness of the cake.
2. Creamy Custard: A smooth custard sauce drizzled over each slice enhances richness while providing a contrasting texture.
3. Chocolate Sauce: A warm chocolate sauce can be served on the side for those who want an extra indulgent treat.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, coconut whipped cream provides both flavor and lightness when paired with vanilla cake.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over slices introduces a sweet and buttery element that pairs well with vanilla.
6. Nutty Granola Crumble: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and complements the soft texture of the cake nicely.
7. Flavored Gelato: Serve slices alongside gelato in flavors like pistachio or coffee for an elegant touch.
8. Spiced Tea or Coffee: Offer spiced tea or coffee as beverages to complement the sweet notes of your vanilla cake perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a perfect Vanilla Cake can be challenging if you don’t pay attention to the details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a lighter cake.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Once all ingredients are combined, stop mixing even if the batter looks slightly lumpy.

• Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (177°C). An oven that’s too hot can cause the cake to rise too quickly and then collapse.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can affect texture.

• Skipping parchment paper: To prevent sticking, always line your cake pans with parchment paper after greasing them. This makes removal easier and keeps your cakes intact.

• Ignoring cooling time: Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for about 15-20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and prevents crumbling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vanilla Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid for a few minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Vanilla Cake that may help you:

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites in Vanilla Cake?

You can use whole eggs; however, this will alter the texture slightly, making it denser than using just egg whites.

What can I substitute for sour cream in Vanilla Cake?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream as it provides similar moisture and tanginess.

How do I know when my Vanilla Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, your cake is ready!

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to my Vanilla Cake?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even citrus zest for added flavor variations.

How do I store my decorated Vanilla Cake?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if it contains perishable toppings like cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Vanilla Cake is not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for birthdays or casual gatherings, you can customize it with various flavors or fillings according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it!