Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
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This Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe is a delightfully straightforward yet deliciously flavorful cake that requires just one bowl for preparation. This cake serves as a perfect base that can be customized with various frosting flavors to suit any occasion or taste!
Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (225g/8 oz.) all-purpose flour, scoop & leveled
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar, to dust finished cake
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Grease Tin: Preheat the oven to 356ºF (180ºC) fan-forced. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper. Note: For non-stick pans, line the base with parchment paper and grease just the sides with butter and dust with flour for smooth cake sides. Set aside.
- Whisk Sugar, Oil, and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, oil and eggs. Whisk until well combined, about 30 seconds.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
- Sift Flour: Sift over the flour and baking powder. Whisk until incorporated, about 20-30 seconds, ensuring not to over-mix.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into prepared cake pan, smoothing out the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or just with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar to serve or with your choice of frosting, such as a cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Store: In an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in cling film and then in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.
Nutrition
Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
The easy vanilla cake recipe exemplifies the elegance of simplicity in baking. With just one mixing bowl required, it’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs needing a quick dessert solution.
It’s an excellent foundation for experimenting with a range of toppings and fillings.
Whether it’s being dressed up with rich chocolate ganache for a celebratory occasion, topped with an indulgent cream cheese frosting, or iced with a light buttercream for a casual gathering, this cake perfectly adapts to different tastes and preferences.
The simplicity of this easy vanilla cake recipe ensures that you can whip it up on short notice, making it perfect for unexpected guests or as a reliable choice for planned events. The ingredients are basic pantry staples, so it’s always ready to go!
What are the 5 Main Ingredients in Cake?
Most basic cake recipes consist of all-purpose flour for structure, sugar for sweetness and texture, eggs for binding and lift, butter or oil for moisture (with olive oil as a preferred option for its moist and fluffy outcome), and a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda to ensure the cake rises properly during baking.
What is a Single-Layer Cake?
A single-layer cake is a straightforward dessert baked in one pan without the tiers or layers found in more elaborate cakes. This simple, one-tier format makes it perfect for everyday desserts and casual occasions, offering ease and speed in preparation.
Expert Tips
- Measure your baking ingredients accurately: Check out my helpful guide on how to measure basic ingredients.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and milk are at room temperature before starting. This improves their ability to emulsify, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive batter.
- Avoid Ovemixing: Avoid overmixing the cake batter after adding the dry flour ingredients to keep the cake light, tender, and moist.
- How to check the cake is baked: Test the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready.
How Can I Make My Cakes Light and Fluffy?
For light and fluffy cakes, focus on incorporating air into the batter and avoiding overmixing after adding flour. Fresh leavening agents are also crucial for proper rising during baking.
Day of Baking
Delight in a day of baking with these hand-picked recipes designed to bring variety to your day including this easy vanilla cake for afternoon tea!
Breakfast: Overnight Weetabix
Morning Snack: Honey Cornflakes
Decadent Dessert: Lemon Coconut Oat Slice
Cozy Beverage: Decadent Hot Chocolate
How To Store Easy Vanilla Cake
Store: In an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in cling film and then in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.
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