Here's a step-by-step guide to baking a basic vanilla cake:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
1. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
1. Add Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (beginning and ending with the flour). Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
1. Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
2. Decorate: Decorate as desired with additional frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings.
Enjoy!
Your delicious homemade vanilla cake is ready to be served!
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