Bake the Perfect Vanilla Cake: Tips and Tricks from a Pro

Cake is a sweet and baked dessert that is enjoyed all over the world. It typically consists of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil, along with leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. Cakes come in many shapes and sizes, from layer cakes to sheet cakes to cupcakes. They can be flavored with a wide variety of ingredients, such as chocolate, vanilla, fruit, nuts, or spices, and can be decorated with frosting, icing, fondant, or other toppings. Cakes can be served for any occasion, from birthdays and weddings to holidays and everyday desserts. Whether you prefer a simple vanilla cake or a complex multi-layered creation, there’s a cake out there for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

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.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. Pour and Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

1. Make the Frosting:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
   • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cooled, 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 buttercream.
3. Decorate:
   • Optionally, you can decorate with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or other toppings of your choice.

Serve and Enjoy:

Enjoy this classic vanilla cake with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it at your next celebration!

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