Vanilla Cake

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This elegant Vanilla Cake is a combination of soft sponge and rich vanilla flavor that will elevate any occasion. The Japanese-inspired technique ensures a tender, fluffy crumb that stays moist for days, making it a truly unique recipe for all vanilla lovers.

Whether you’re looking to bake for a birthday, a celebration, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, this cake pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream or fresh fruit toppings. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s sure to impress both in taste and appearance!

Full Recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups caster or superfine sugar
115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup full-fat milk

3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 teaspoons vegetable or canola oil

Vanilla Buttercream:

225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

500g (1 lb) powdered sugar, sifted
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk (to adjust thickness)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan) and place the shelf in the middle of the oven. Grease 2 x 8” cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Beat eggs in a stand mixer for 30 seconds on medium speed. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat for 7 minutes until tripled in volume and pale white.

In a separate heatproof jug, microwave butter and milk for 2 minutes until butter melts.
Gradually mix the flour into the egg mixture in three parts, stirring on low speed for 5 seconds between each addition.
Add vanilla extract and oil to the hot milk mixture. Lighten this mixture by adding a cup of the egg batter and whisk until smooth.

Slowly add the milk mixture back into the main egg batter while mixing on low speed until smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap pans on the counter to release air bubbles.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn them out onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.

For Vanilla Buttercream:

Beat butter in a stand mixer on high speed for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar in 3 batches, beating well after each addition.

Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons milk, and beat for 30 seconds until smooth and spreadable.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 339 kcal per slice | Servings: 10-12 slices

Background & Inspiration

This Vanilla Cake is inspired by a fusion of Japanese sponge cake techniques and classic Western butter cakes. The result is a wonderfully plush, tender crumb that’s not overly sweet but packed with rich vanilla flavor. The technique of whipping eggs and combining hot milk with melted butter ensures a soft, light cake that retains its moisture for up to 4 days – a rarity among homemade cakes!

Flavor Profile & Texture

The cake boasts a pure vanilla flavor, complemented by the subtle richness of butter without feeling heavy or greasy. The crumb is airy and fluffy but remains firm enough to support layers of buttercream or fresh fruit. It’s a versatile base cake that can be adapted to various toppings or fillings, making it suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or any day when a delicious homemade cake is desired.

Baking Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before whipping. This allows them to aerate better, creating a lighter cake crumb.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: After adding the flour and milk mixtures, be careful not to overmix. The goal is to retain the air bubbles in the batter, which contribute to the cake’s lift and fluffiness.

Hot Milk Matters: Heating the milk and butter before adding them to the batter is a key step. The hot milk helps create a light texture and aids in the cake’s rise.
Level Cake Layers: If you’re making a layer cake, you can turn the cakes upside down to cool. This will naturally flatten the tops, making it easier to stack and frost.

Frosting & Decoration Ideas

While the vanilla buttercream provided in the recipe is a classic choice, you can explore other variations to suit different occasions or flavor preferences:

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting for a tangy twist.
Chocolate Ganache for a rich, decadent finish.
Fresh Whipped Cream & Berries for a lighter, fresh touch.

Sprinkles or Edible Flowers for a festive or elegant presentation.

Storage & Shelf Life

One of the unique features of this recipe is its ability to stay fresh for up to 4 days. To store, wrap the cake tightly with cling wrap and place it in an airtight container. If it’s frosted, keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving. The cake also freezes well; simply wrap each layer separately and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake layers at room temperature before frosting or serving.

Recipe Variations

This versatile vanilla cake can be transformed into various delightful desserts:

Vanilla Cupcakes: Use the same batter to make light and fluffy cupcakes. Bake them for around 18-20 minutes and top with your favorite frosting.
Layer Cake: Create a multi-tiered celebration cake by slicing each cake into layers and filling them with jam, buttercream, or pastry cream.
Victoria Sponge Cake: Spread a layer of strawberry or raspberry jam between the cake layers and top with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a classic Victorian touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the flavor and texture slightly change. Cake flour creates a finer crumb, but the buttery flavor may not come through as strongly as with all-purpose flour.
What if I don’t have caster sugar?
Regular granulated sugar works fine, though it might leave some tiny brown spots in the cake base, which won’t affect the flavor or texture.
How do I know if my baking powder is still active?
Mix a teaspoon of baking powder with hot water. If it fizzes immediately, it’s still active and good to use.

The Secret to Longevity

The reason this Vanilla Cake stays moist and fresh for several days is due to the combination of whipped eggs, which aerates the batter, and the addition of a small amount of oil. The oil adds a bit of moisture and tenderness without making the cake greasy. This makes it perfect for preparing in advance for events or keeping as a daily treat.

Pairing Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with:

A cup of black tea or herbal tea to balance the sweetness.

Coffee or espresso for a more robust contrast.
Fresh fruit toppings like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches.

Pro Tip for Decoration

If you’re looking to create a professional finish, frost the cake with a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs), chill it for about 20 minutes, and then apply the final coat of frosting. This ensures a smooth, clean finish on your cake.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its unique techniques that blend Japanese sponge cake methods with Western-style butter cakes:

Whipped Eggs for Airy Texture: By beating the eggs and sugar until they triple in volume, the cake gains its characteristic light and airy texture. This method is borrowed from Japanese sponge cakes, ensuring that the cake rises beautifully without becoming dense.
Hot Milk and Butter Mixture: Unlike typical butter cakes that use creamed butter and sugar, this recipe uses a hot milk and butter combination. This step helps create a smooth batter and contributes to the cake’s fine, velvety crumb.

Perfect Balance of Ingredients: The combination of milk, oil, and butter provides just the right amount of moisture. The butter adds flavor and richness, the milk gives tenderness, and a hint of oil keeps the cake moist for days.

Recipe Scaling & Adaptability

One of the best aspects of this Vanilla Cake is its adaptability to different pan sizes and uses:

Scaling Up for Large Cakes: You can easily double or triple the recipe for larger events or multi-tiered cakes. Just ensure you adjust the baking time accordingly, and use deeper pans to accommodate the larger batter volume.

Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: The batter can be used to create mini-cakes, cake squares, or cupcakes. For cupcakes, fill the liners halfway and bake for around 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Single Layer Cake: If you want a single layer cake, simply halve the recipe and bake in one pan. This makes a great base for toppings like glazes, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Customizing the Flavors

While vanilla is the star, this cake is a blank canvas for a variety of flavors:

Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Almond or Coconut Extract: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a different depth of flavor.
Infused Syrups: Brush the cake layers with flavored simple syrups (vanilla, coffee, or rum) before frosting to add extra moisture and a burst of flavor.

Frosting & Filling Combinations

The Vanilla Buttercream is classic, but you can experiment with different frosting and fillings to suit your taste:

Chocolate Ganache Filling: Create a decadent treat by adding a layer of rich chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
Fruit Compote or Jam Filling: Spread raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam between the layers for a burst of fruitiness.

Flavored Buttercream Variations: Mix in cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream, or add instant coffee powder for a mocha-flavored frosting. For a fresh and floral note, add a few drops of rose water or lavender extract.

Layering & Decorating Tips

For those looking to create a layered or showstopping cake, here are some tips to help:

Level the Cake Layers: If your cake layers have a dome, use a serrated knife to level them before stacking. This helps create a more stable, even cake when frosting.

Crumb Coat Before Frosting: Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) to the cake to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes before adding the final frosting layer for a clean finish.
Piping Decorations: Use a piping bag fitted with different nozzles to create rosettes, swirls, or borders. This simple technique can transform the cake into an elegant centerpiece.

Serving Suggestions & Ideas

This Vanilla Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions:

Classic Birthday Cake: With its tender crumb and buttery flavor, this cake makes an excellent birthday or celebration cake. Decorate with colorful sprinkles, birthday candles, or edible glitter for an extra touch of fun.
Afternoon Tea Cake: Serve a slice of this vanilla cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries for a sophisticated afternoon tea treat.
Elegant Dessert: For a more refined presentation, serve with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a side of mixed fruit compote. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.

Nutrition & Dietary Adjustments

This recipe provides about 339 kcal per serving, with around 51g of carbohydrates and 13g of fat. Here are some adjustments for different dietary needs:

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy option like almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or margarine. The texture may differ slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
Reduced Sugar: If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup, though it may affect the rise and texture slightly.

Egg-Free Version: For an egg-free version, you can try using flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. Note that the cake’s texture may not be as airy and light as the original recipe.

Cake Storage & Shelf Life Tips

If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, here’s how to keep it fresh:

Unfrosted Cake: Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Frosted Cake: Once frosted, cover the cake lightly with cling wrap or place in a cake dome. Keep it at room temperature if the weather is cool, or refrigerate if it’s warm. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, the cake layers (unfrosted) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

History & Popularity of Vanilla Cakes

Vanilla cakes are beloved worldwide for their simplicity and versatility. As one of the most common cake flavors, vanilla cake has origins in traditional European sponge cakes. Its straightforward preparation, balanced sweetness, and adaptable flavor profile make it a classic choice for any celebration. Over time, bakers have adapted vanilla cake recipes to achieve different textures, from airy sponges to denser butter cakes. This particular recipe, which blends Japanese and Western baking techniques, is the culmination of years of refinement to create a perfect all-purpose vanilla cake.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cake recipe is a perfect blend of Japanese-inspired techniques and classic butter cake elements, resulting in a light, fluffy, and moist cake that stays fresh for days. Its simple yet adaptable nature makes it ideal for various occasions, from birthdays to afternoon tea. Whether frosted with buttercream, layered with jam, or topped with fruit, this cake is sure to impress with its flavor, texture, and versatility. Easy to make, and with plenty of customization options, it’s a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.