Vanilla Cake is a timeless classic that delights at any celebration or casual gathering. This light and fluffy cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet treat to share with family and friends. With its rich vanilla flavor and versatile nature, it can be dressed up with frosting, fruits, or enjoyed on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This vanilla cake recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it great for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Rich Flavor: The use of real vanilla extract enhances the cake’s flavor, giving it a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen.
• Versatile Base: This cake serves as a fantastic base for many desserts. You can layer it with different fillings or frostings to suit any occasion.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of butter and sour cream creates a moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite flavors or mix-ins, from chocolate chips to fresh fruits.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious Vanilla Cake, gather all the necessary tools and ensure your kitchen is ready for baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Three 6-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly by thoroughly combining the ingredients without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients, ensuring better mixing results.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything gets evenly mixed.

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Ingredients

This recipe makes three 6 inch layers.

• 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)
• 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 them, dusting with flour, and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Combine the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
* Whisk together until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Whites

In a separate bowl:
* Whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy. Slowly drizzle them into the butter-sugar mixture while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
* Increase speed to high for about 1–2 minutes until well blended.

Step 6: Combine All Mixtures

On low speed:
* Add half of the dry ingredient mixture until just incorporated.
* Follow with half of the milk mixture. Mix briefly before adding the remaining dry mixture followed by the last portion of milk mixture.
* Turn off the mixer and gently fold with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined without overmixing.

Step 7: Bake Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into each prepared pan until about one-third full:
* Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes.
* Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 15–20 minutes:
* Carefully remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting or decorating.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Serving vanilla cake can be as creative and fun as baking it. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, there are numerous ways to present this delightful dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of vanilla cake with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. This simple presentation highlights the cake’s fluffy texture and rich flavor.

Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the cake beautifully.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side or on top of the cake. It enhances the creamy richness and adds an airy texture.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. This classic combination adds a deliciously cold contrast to the warm cake.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each slice for an indulgent touch. The smooth chocolate pairs well with the vanilla flavors.

Decorative Sprinkles

• For festive occasions, sprinkle colorful confetti sprinkles on top of the frosting. This makes for an eye-catching presentation that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

How to Perfect Vanilla Cake

Baking the perfect vanilla cake requires attention to detail in both preparation and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring your butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better rise.

• Don’t overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy cake.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the scoop-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much. Too much flour can result in a dry cake.

• Check doneness properly: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cake is done baking.

• Cool cakes properly: Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 15-20 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This prevents them from breaking apart while removing from pans.

• Frost when cool: Ensure your layers are completely cooled before frosting. This helps prevent melting and sliding of frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Cake

Pairing side dishes with vanilla cake can enhance your dessert experience significantly. Here are some delightful options that complement this classic treat perfectly.

1. Berry Compote: A warm berry compote made from mixed berries cooked down with sugar provides a tangy contrast to the sweet vanilla cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cake.
3. Chilled Yogurt: Serve individual bowls of chilled yogurt alongside slices for added creaminess without being overly sweet.
4. Chocolate Mousse: A light chocolate mousse can make an elegant pairing that offers rich flavors against the lighter vanilla notes.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over slices creates an indulgent addition that enhances flavor depth.
6. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola on top provides crunchiness and complements the soft texture of the vanilla cake.
7. Coconut Whipped Cream: For added tropical flair, serve coconut whipped cream as an alternative topping option that pairs wonderfully with vanilla flavors.
8. Coffee or Tea: Offering cups of coffee or tea alongside allows guests to enjoy their dessert in a more comforting manner, enhancing flavors together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vanilla Cake can be simple, but certain pitfalls can lead to less than ideal results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups designed for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not combine properly. Ensure butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined for a lighter texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Check your cakes a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
• Not cooling cakes properly: Remove cakes from pans too soon, and they may break apart. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vanilla Cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Vanilla Cake

• Wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat with a lid on; warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vanilla Cake:

How do I make my Vanilla Cake moist?

To keep your Vanilla Cake moist, ensure you measure flour accurately and use room temperature ingredients. Adding sour cream helps maintain moisture as well.

Can I substitute other flavors in my Vanilla Cake?

Yes! You can easily customize your Vanilla Cake by adding other extracts like almond or lemon zest.

What can I use instead of eggs in this Vanilla Cake?

For egg substitutes, consider using applesauce or mashed bananas—about 1/4 cup replaces one egg effectively.

How long does it take to bake a Vanilla Cake?

Typically, it takes about 30-35 minutes at 350°F (177°C) for three 6-inch layers of Vanilla Cake to bake properly.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Cake recipe offers a delightful base that is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different flavors or toppings, making it suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because you crave something sweet. Give this classic dessert a try and enjoy the delicious results!