Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Offset spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, make the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth and creamy.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of the cake.
10. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
11. Once the crumb coat is set, spread a thick layer of frosting over the entire cake. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting.
12. Decorate the cake with additional frosting, piping, or sprinkles as desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Temperature:
Bake at 350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 107mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 70g
Sugar: 57g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or brown sugar.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with cake flour or gluten-free flour.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter to make a chocolate princess cake.
- Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a lemon princess cake.
- Add 1/4 cup of strawberry puree to the frosting for a strawberry princess cake.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before frosting.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after applying the crumb coat to prevent crumbs from mixing with the final layer of frosting.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation Ideas:
- Pipe additional frosting around the edges of the cake for a decorative border.
- Top the cake with fresh fruit or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Edible glitter or sprinkles
- Fresh fruit
- Edible flowers
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pair with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a special occasion.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them before frosting.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands before starting the recipe.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food History:
The princess cake, also known as prinsesstårta, is a traditional Swedish cake that was first created in the early 1900s. It typically consists of layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, and whipped cream, topped with a layer of marzipan.
Flavor Profiles:
This vanilla princess cake is sweet, buttery, and creamy, with a hint of vanilla flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert for a special occasion or celebration.
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