Classic Vanilla Cake

Tammy Smith

Built around real vanilla — either extract or paste — this classic layer cake has a fine, tender crumb and a clean, warm flavor that pairs well with almost any frosting. It mixes quickly by hand or with a stand mixer and bakes in about 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings slices

Calories 499 kcal

Equipment

9-inch round cake pans
Electric Mixer
Mixing Bowls
Cooling Rack
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour preferably organic
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk room temperature

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a rubber spatula.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Tammy’s Tips:

For a deeper vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
To make it dairy-free, substitute with almond milk and a quality dairy-free butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 8gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 295mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 716IUCalcium: 155mgIron: 2mg

Keyword best vanilla cake recipe

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