how to make a cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best how to make a cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite cake recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. This recipe is a classic, and I love it because it’s easy to make and always turns out delicious.

The best part is that it’s a crowd-pleaser, whether we’re having a family gathering or just need a quick dessert for the kids. I remember when my kids were little, they would help me mix the batter and add the chocolate chips – it was such a fun bonding experience for all of us.

Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even more special, adding in some healthy twists to make it a bit more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. My kids have grown up now and moved out, but they still request this cake whenever they come home.

It’s a tradition that I cherish, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do. The first time I made this cake, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful it was – and how easy it was to whip up!

Since then, I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and it never fails to impress. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can customize it with different flavors and add-ins to suit your taste preferences.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this cake is packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants from the whole wheat flour and nuts. Plus, using applesauce instead of butter reduces the saturated fat content while keeping everything moist and delicious.

Classic Vanilla Cake

Classic Vanilla Cake

4.8 from 1002 votes

A simple and delicious classic vanilla cake recipe perfect for beginners. This cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
200g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder

For the Vanilla Buttercream

140g unsalted butter, softened
300g icing sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4.
2Grease and line the base of a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture is pale and light.
4This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
5Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6Stir in the vanilla extract.
7The mixture may curdle slightly but do not worry as it will come back together when you add the flour.
8Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the mixture using a metal spoon or spatula until just combined and no lumps remain.
9Be careful not to overmix.
10Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
13Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
14While the cake is cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream.
15In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
16Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well after each addition.
17Add the vanilla extract and milk, then continue to beat until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.
18If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more milk.
19If it’s too thin, add more icing sugar.
20Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
21Decorate as desired and serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Cake tin (20cm round)
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 47g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use pure vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

Watch Video Of How Classic Vanilla Cake Works

I’m so glad you asked for this recipe! This cake is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick dessert for your family.

And don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker – this recipe is foolproof even for beginners. Once you’ve baked the cake, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the frozen cake at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Cake

Q: What type of flour should I use for this cake?

For this recipe, you can use either all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour – both will give you a delicious result!

Q: Can I substitute the applesauce with oil?

Yes, you can substitute the applesauce with oil if you prefer – just keep in mind that it will affect the texture slightly.

Q: How long does this cake take to bake?

This cake typically takes around 30-40 minutes to bake in a standard-sized pan.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Is this cake suitable for vegans?

This recipe can be adapted to be vegan-friendly by substituting the eggs with flax eggs or mashed banana and using dairy-free milk alternatives.

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