Homemade Vanilla Cake
This classic vanilla cake is a simple yet impressive one-bowl dessert. With a soft, tender crumb and a rich vanilla flavor, it's perfect for any occasion. It pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings and can be adapted for different cake sizes or cupcakes.
Servings: 14
Calories: 497kcal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 ¾ cups 390 grams cake flour (or 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour)
- 2 cups 400 grams granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups 340 grams buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 large egg whites at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and lightly spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Do not spray the sides of the pans.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the butter to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 1 minute, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to low and pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add Eggs and Egg Whites: Reduce the mixer speed to low again and add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then add the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds, until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.