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Have you ever baked a vanilla cake that turned out dry or dense instead of light and fluffy? You’re not alone! Many home bakers struggle with achieving the perfect balance of moisture and fluffiness. But what if I told you that with just a few simple tweaks, you could create the softest, most delicious vanilla cake ever? In this post, we will reveal the five secrets to making a moist and fluffy vanilla cake that rivals any professional bakery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this vanilla cake recipe will become your go-to.

Ingredients List

To make the best vanilla cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour – For a lighter texture, use cake flour.
2 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps create a fluffy texture.
1/2 tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar – Provides structure and sweetness.
4 large eggs – Room temperature eggs create better texture.
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract – The star ingredient for flavor!
1 cup (240ml) whole milk – Ensures a tender crumb.
1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream – The secret to ultimate moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Swap whole milk with buttermilk for an even softer crumb.
Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
Replace butter with vegetable oil for a lighter cake.

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes

This recipe takes 20% less time than traditional vanilla cake recipes while maintaining its perfect texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low. Add half of the dry ingredients, then the milk and sour cream, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 35g
Fiber: 1g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Use almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Replace sugar with honey or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Layer with vanilla bean buttercream for a classic touch.
Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter – Leads to a dense cake.
Not measuring ingredients correctly – Use a digital scale for precision.
Opening the oven too soon – Causes cakes to collapse.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This vanilla cake recipe is designed to be fail-proof and delicious every time. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little patience, you can bake a cake that is both moist and fluffy. Try this recipe today and share your results in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more baking tips and recipes!

FAQs

1. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Just omit the baking powder and salt.

2. Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I use this batter for cupcakes?

Absolutely! Reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes.

This comprehensive guide ensures you have everything needed to bake the perfect vanilla cake. Happy baking!

The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

Author: promeatrecipes.com
Total Time: PT1H30M

Print Recipe

Description

Unlock bakery-quality results at home! The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe offers 5 pro tips for moist perfection

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour – For a lighter texture, use cake flour.

2 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps create a fluffy texture.

1/2 tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.

2 cups (400g) granulated sugar – Provides structure and sweetness.

4 large eggs – Room temperature eggs create better texture.

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract – The star ingredient for flavor!

1 cup (240ml) whole milk – Ensures a tender crumb.

1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream – The secret to ultimate moisture.

Instructions