Homemade Vanilla Cake

This homemade vanilla cake is tender, moist, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion, and pairs beautifully with your favorite frosting. Whether you’re making a classic layer cake, cupcakes, or a sheet cake, this recipe ensures a soft, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth.

---

PIN FOR LATER!PIN FOR LATER!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Moist Texture – Buttery and fluffy with the perfect crumb.
Easy to Make – No complicated steps or special techniques.
Versatile – Works for cupcakes, layered cakes, or sheet cakes.
Pairs with Any Frosting – Vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or everyday treats.

---

Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – Ensures a smooth and airy batter.
• Measuring Cups & Kitchen Scale – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Cake Pans (Two 9-inch Pans) – Lined with parchment for easy release.
• Cooling Rack – Helps cakes cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Rubber Spatula – For scraping the bowl and evenly mixing ingredients.

Preparation Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures even mixing and a better texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients – Creates a lighter, fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overbeating can lead to a dense cake.
• Use High-Quality Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste makes a big difference.

---

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 ¾ cups (390g) cake flour (or 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour)
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (340g) buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and only spray the parchment, not the sides.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir to combine using a paddle attachment.

3. Add Butter and Buttermilk

• Add the butter to the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed (1 minute) until the mixture is coarse and crumbly.
• Reduce to low speed and add buttermilk and vanilla extract.
• Mix for 1 minute until just combined, then increase to medium speed for 30 seconds.

4. Incorporate Eggs

• Reduce mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
• Add the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds until smooth.

5. Bake the Cake

• Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cooling

• Let cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

---

Expert Baking Tips

Use Cake Flour – It creates a finer crumb and a softer texture.
Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level, don’t scoop directly from the bag. Chill the Cake Before Frosting – Makes it easier to frost without crumbs.
Don’t Overbake – Check for doneness with a toothpick at 25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This soft, buttery vanilla cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with different frostings, toppings, and side dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. Classic Vanilla Buttercream

A smooth, creamy, and sweet frosting that enhances the rich vanilla flavor of the cake.

2. Chocolate Ganache

For chocolate lovers, drizzle a warm ganache over the cake for a luxurious and indulgent finish.

3. Fresh Berries & Whipped Cream

A light and refreshing option—top your cake with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting

A slightly tangy frosting that balances out the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

5. Caramel Drizzle

A buttery, sweet, and slightly salty caramel sauce makes this cake next-level delicious.

6. Ice Cream Pairing

Serve your vanilla cake with a scoop of vanilla bean, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream for a heavenly combination.

7. Dusting of Powdered Sugar

For a simple but elegant presentation, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

8. Fruit Compote

A homemade berry or citrus compote adds a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the cake’s sweetness.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even experienced bakers can run into challenges when making vanilla cake. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Overmixing the Batter

Mistake: Overbeating the batter leads to a dense, tough cake.
Solution: Mix the batter until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.

2. Using Cold Ingredients

Mistake: Cold butter, eggs, or buttermilk won’t incorporate properly, leading to an uneven texture.
Solution: Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, well-mixed batter.

3. Not Measuring Flour Correctly

Mistake: Scooping flour directly from the bag results in too much flour, making the cake dry.
Solution: Spoon and level the flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup.

4. Skipping the Parchment Paper

Mistake: Cakes can stick to the pan, making them hard to remove.
Solution: Always line the bottoms of your pans with parchment paper for easy release.

5. Opening the Oven Too Early

Mistake: This causes the cake to sink in the middle.
Solution: Avoid opening the oven door before 25 minutes of baking.

6. Overbaking the Cake

Mistake: Overbaking leads to a dry cake.
Solution: Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

7. Not Cooling the Cake Properly

Mistake: Frosting a warm cake melts the frosting and creates a messy finish.
Solution: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

---

8 Side Dish Recommendations

If you want to elevate your vanilla cake experience, pair it with one of these delicious side dishes:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic combination—the cold, creamy texture of ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, soft cake.

2. Coffee or Espresso

A cup of strong coffee or espresso balances the cake’s sweetness and enhances its flavors.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

A mix of berries, mango, pineapple, and kiwi adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cake.

4. Milkshakes

Pair your cake with a thick vanilla or chocolate milkshake for a fun and indulgent treat.

5. Chocolate Sauce

A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce makes this cake even more irresistible.

6. Honey-Glazed Nuts

Serve your cake with crunchy, caramelized almonds or pecans for added texture and depth.

7. Berry Compote

A warm blueberry or raspberry compote brings a burst of natural sweetness and tartness.

8. Coconut Whipped Cream

For a dairy-free option, top your cake with coconut whipped cream—light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

PIN FOR LATER!

Recipe Tips for the Best Vanilla Cake

Here are some expert tips to take your vanilla cake to the next level:

Use Cake Flour for a Softer Texture – Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, which results in a lighter, fluffier crumb. If you only have all-purpose flour, make your own cake flour by replacing 2 tablespoons of flour with cornstarch per cup of flour.

Weigh Ingredients for Accuracy – Measuring by weight (grams) rather than volume (cups) ensures consistency and prevents issues like dryness or density.

Don’t Overbake – Set a timer and check for doneness at 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Chill the Cake Before Frosting – A cold cake is easier to frost and produces cleaner, smoother layers. Wrap layers in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before assembling.

For Extra Moisture, Brush with Syrup – If you want an extra moist, bakery-style cake, brush the cake layers with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved.

---

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Homemade Vanilla Cake

At Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

In the Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Bring it to room temperature before serving to soften the texture.

Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

How to Reheat Vanilla Cake

Microwave Method: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Oven Method: Wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Steaming Method: Place cake slices over low steam for 2-3 minutes to bring back moisture.

---

PIN FOR LATER!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes! Substitute 1 ½ cups of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Fill lined cupcake tins ¾ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

3. How do I make this cake extra moist?

• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Don’t overbake—check doneness at 25 minutes.
• Add a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved) to each layer before frosting.

4. Can I freeze the cake layers?

Yes! Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

5. What frosting goes best with vanilla cake?

• Vanilla Buttercream for a classic flavor.
• Chocolate Ganache for a rich contrast.
• Cream Cheese Frosting for a slight tang.
• Whipped Cream for a light and airy topping.

---

Conclusion

This Homemade Vanilla Cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a bakery-quality cake right at home. Whether you’re making a birthday cake, cupcakes, or a layered masterpiece, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Enjoy your delicious vanilla cake, and happy baking!