Sure, here’s a recipe for a deliciously soft and moist cake that’s sure to please!
Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures that your cake will come out easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a more consistent texture in your cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and become soft.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and moisture, while the vanilla enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and a bit thick, but not overly stiff.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed in the center.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from breaking apart. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting or enjoy plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for a Perfect Soft Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This allows them to mix more evenly and helps create a smoother batter.
- Proper Measuring: Use the scoop-and-level method to measure flour. Scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing in too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense texture.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Every oven is different, and you might need a slightly shorter or longer baking time.
- Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
This soft vanilla cake is versatile and can be customized with various flavors or fillings. Enjoy baking and indulging in your homemade treat!
I hope you enjoy making and eating this soft and delicious vanilla cake! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.
