Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating just until incorporated.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12-14 slices
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Add 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract or other flavorings.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Be sure to sift the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this will result in a dense cake.
Storage Instructions:
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The cake can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Hot fudge sauce
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure to not overmix the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and to store the cake in an airtight container.
- Do not leave the cake out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
Vanilla cake has been around since the 19th century and is believed to have originated in the United States.
Flavor Profiles:
Vanilla cake has a sweet and creamy flavor with hints of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions:
Vanilla cake is best served with fresh fruit, ice cream, or hot fudge sauce.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Vanilla, Light, Fluffy, Vanilla-Infused