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Who can resist the heavenly aroma and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a homemade vanilla cake? Perfect for any celebration or simply as a delicious treat, vanilla cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. If you’ve always wanted to create your own scrumptious vanilla cake, we’ve got you covered. Follow this step-by-step guide, and in no time, you’ll be savoring a moist and flavorful vanilla cake of your own creation.
Step 1: Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For a basic vanilla cake, you’ll need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature), 1 ¾ cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 ¼ cups of whole milk.
Step 2: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Pans
Now that you have your ingredients ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Sifting and Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter cake. Once sifted, whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or beat manually with a wooden spoon. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, giving the cake its delicate texture.
Step 5: Adding Eggs and Vanilla Extract
One at a time, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
To prevent the cake from becoming dense, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Step 7: Filling the Cake Pans
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a rubber spatula. This helps achieve an even surface and ensures even baking.
Step 8: Baking the Cake
Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
Step 9: Cooling and Frosting
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost the cake using your preferred frosting, such as buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Step 10: Enjoying Your Homemade Vanilla Cake
Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Slice a piece of your homemade vanilla cake, and savor every bite of its soft and delicate crumb. Whether served at a birthday party, special occasion, or simply as a comforting dessert, your homemade vanilla cake is sure to be a hit.
In conclusion, creating a vanilla cake from scratch is a delightful and rewarding experience. With a few simple steps and quality ingredients, you can enjoy a cake that is far superior to any store-bought version. So, roll up your sleeves, don your apron, and embark on this delicious baking journey. Your taste buds will thank you!
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