Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Temptations
I absolutely adore baking, and this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is one of my all-time favorite recipes. The rich aroma of vanilla wafting through my kitchen is a delightful experience that never fails to bring back fond memories. Each bite of this cake offers a moist, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy tea time with friends.
When creating this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake, I experimented with a variety of butter ratios to achieve the ideal texture. The outcome was wonderfully moist without being overly rich. I also found that using high-quality vanilla extract really makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
This cake is incredibly versatile; I've dressed it up with various frostings or enjoyed it plain. One tip I’ve found invaluable is to allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and ensures perfect, robust slices for serving.
Reasons You'll Love This Cake
- Delicate vanilla flavor that enhances any occasion
- Moist texture that remains fresh for days
- Perfect base for countless frostings and toppings
The Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for achieving the best texture in your Classic Vanilla Butter Cake. When butter and eggs are at room temperature, they blend more easily together, leading to a uniform batter that traps air effectively during the creaming process. This results in a light and airy cake. Aim to let your butter sit out for about 30 minutes before you start, and take the eggs out of the fridge roughly the same time. You’ll notice the difference in the final product!
If you happen to forget and use cold ingredients, you can warm the eggs slightly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. However, using cold butter is not advisable as it can lead to a dense cake. Ideally, stick to the intended temperatures for that beautiful rise and moist crumb.
Techniques for Perfect Baking
Baking times can vary based on your oven, so it's essential to keep an eye on the cakes as they approach the end of the baking time. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give your cakes an additional 5-minute bake, but be cautious not to overbake as this can lead to dryness.
To ensure even baking, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time. This small step helps to mitigate any hot spots in your oven. Additionally, using an oven thermometer can assist if you suspect your oven may not be heating accurately. I always check mine to avoid any surprises!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dessert:
Classic Vanilla Butter Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Directions
Follow these steps to make the perfect butter cake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can frost or serve the cake plain.
Pro Tips
- Always measure your ingredients carefully for the best results. You can also add a splash of milk if the batter is too thick.
Flavor Variations and Customization
While the Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is delightful on its own, feel free to customize it to suit your taste. For a citrus twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter along with the vanilla for a fresh flavor profile. Alternatively, adding mini chocolate chips or nuts can bring in a different texture and flavor, making it even more indulgent.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider infusing the milk with a bit of almond extract or even using coconut milk for a tropical flair. Just remember that adding strong flavors might require you to adjust the amount of sugar to maintain the cake’s sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake shines when paired with simple toppings that enhance, rather than overpower, its delicate flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of mascarpone cheese makes for a beautiful presentation. For fruit lovers, a layer of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a pop of color and freshness, bringing out the sweetness of the cake.
For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, serve slices of the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cake with cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that elevates the dessert experience. I often make a simple berry compote to drizzle on top, which adds a lovely tartness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use melted butter instead of softened?
No, softened butter helps incorporate air into the batter, which is crucial for a light cake texture.
→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but keep in mind it may alter the density.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
I absolutely adore baking, and this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is one of my all-time favorite recipes. The rich aroma of vanilla wafting through my kitchen is a delightful experience that never fails to bring back fond memories. Each bite of this cake offers a moist, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy tea time with friends.
Created by: Chantel Rivers
Recipe Type: Sweet Temptations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8-10 servings
What You'll Need
Classic Vanilla Butter Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- Always measure your ingredients carefully for the best results. You can also add a splash of milk if the batter is too thick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g