Golden Vanilla Butter Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Welcome to the world of baking delight with our Golden Vanilla Butter Cake! This classic cake is rich in flavor and boasts a tender, moist crumb that's simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, it's sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Golden Vanilla Butter Cake

Let's talk about what makes this cake special. We start with all-purpose flour, which provides the structure for our cake. The baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise, giving it that lovely fluffy texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.

Unsalted butter is the star of the show here. It adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender. The granulated sugar sweetens everything while helping to aerate the butter for a lighter texture. Eggs bind the ingredients together and add to the cake's richness.

Vanilla extract is key for that classic vanilla flavor — don't skimp on quality here! Finally, whole milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

Tips & Tricks

  • Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting. It helps them blend more smoothly.
  • For a tender crumb, avoid over-mixing the batter once the flour is added.
  • If your cakes dome in the oven, level them with a serrated knife once cooled for an even stack.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines on its own but is also a perfect canvas for creativity. Try it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a minimalist look. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fresh twist. For a decadent treat, add a layer of chocolate ganache or your favorite buttercream frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can, but omit the baking powder and salt, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It should last at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Golden Vanilla Butter Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the cake bakes evenly. While it’s heating up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust them with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer. It's the aeration from this step that contributes to the cake's soft texture.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps maintain the emulsion and keeps the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the batter with its rich aroma.

Now, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Start with a third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk, another third of the flour, the remaining milk, and finally the rest of the flour. Mixing in this order helps incorporate everything evenly without overworking the batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pans on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
  • Delivers a beautifully moist and flavorful cake every time.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of toppings and fillings.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

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