Bring out the inner baker in your with this simple, decadent, and delicious Vanilla Cake recipe!
You can never go wrong with a classic cake flavor that you can customize to satisfy your cravings. With easy steps, you’ll be able to cook a soft, moist, and flavorful cake for the family.
It’s the perfect cake to serve for breakfast, snacks, or desserts for celebrations, weekends, and any occasion. Baking a cake has never been this effortless!
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In this recipe, you will learn everything you need to know about the best beginner-friendly Vanilla Cake recipe you can find. Don’t forget to have fun while baking it with love!
How to Make Vanilla Cake
I assure you that you will fall deeply in love with this simple yet tasty Vanilla Cake! You won’t believe how easy it is.
With this tried and tested Vanilla Cake recipe, you are guaranteed to achieve a fluffy, airy, and moist delicacy. Indeed, every moment will become special with a cake this good!
Ingredients
After trying different cake recipes, these ingredients have proven to be the best ones for a Vanilla Cake recipe.
Self-rising flour
Why should you use self-rising flour for your cake recipes? It has flour and baking powder in one!
Every cake recipe starts with flour. It gives the cake its shape and form for a perfect round structure. You will also need the flour to get the right texture for the crumbs.
Meanwhile, the baking powder guarantees the puffy, light, and fluffy quality of the cake. It’s a leavening agent that allows the cake to rise as it bakes.
Self-rising flour is not just for cakes; you can also use it to make cookies, pancakes, cupcakes, bread, and other baked goods. I usually use this for other pastries, such as Puff Puff, Pancakes, and Bread!
Eggs
When it comes to cakes, the eggs perform two functions: they bind the dry ingredients together and activate those ingredients to build the structure of the cake.
According to Le Foodist, the thickness of the egg yolks gives you a smooth batter and a perfectly-textured cake. In fact, it is also said that the eggs can be leavening agents too.
I always make sure to add eggs to Plantain Bread, Air Fryer Bread, and Pound Cake for the best results. Don’t worry; there are also egg substitutes available for you.
Milk
How important is milk in a cake recipe? It activates the self-rising flour to allow the batter to rise as it cooks. Without milk, the cake will likely become dry and dense.
I Scream for Buttercream mentioned that milk can work wonders for moisture, texture, and flavor in the cake. You will surely get a moist, decadent, and mildly sweet cake when you add milk.
There are many milk options you can use for the cake. For instance, you can try fresh milk, evaporated milk, or even almond milk.
Vanilla extract
It won’t be a Vanilla Cake recipe without vanilla extract. It’s the flavoring agent to infuse the cake with a rich flavor. Once it melts into the cake, it will have a hint of caramel and jasmine taste.
Without vanilla extract, the cake will likely taste bland. It also adds a pleasant fragrance to the cake, making it more irresistible and delicious.
Seasoning
Aside from the vanilla extract, you will also need salt and sugar to balance the overall flavors of the cake. With salt, the cake will not be too sweet from the sugar and vanilla.
On the other hand, the sugar adds a sweet and decadent quality to the dish. It even gives the cake a golden brown color for an appealing look.
Sunflower oil
You might be wondering why you need to add oil to your cake. King Arthur Baking mentioned that adding oil is a good way of giving the cake a tender texture.
The cake will also stay moist and decadent for a longer time because of the fat from the oil.
Once you have these ingredients ready, you can cook Vanilla Cake anytime you want!
Directions
Before anything else, note that these measurements and baking time are suitable for a 20 cm (8”) by 7 cm (3”) baking pan.
- Use an egg separator to separate the egg yolk from the egg white.
- Whip the egg whites in a mixer until foamy and soft.
- Gradually add cane sugar in four parts.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sea salt
- Pour the egg yolk mixture into the egg white batter.
- Whip it until you achieve the soft peaks of the cream.
- Sieve self-rising flour into the batter.
- Whisk the sunflower oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Lined the baking pan with parchment paper.
- Then, pour the batter into the baking pan.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C for up to 25 minutes or until done.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a plate.
- Decorate the Vanilla Cake and serve!
Baking your own Vanilla Cake recipe has never been easier, hasn’t it? Making a cake can be as simple as ABCs, especially if you start with the basics like this Vanilla Sponge Cake!
Tips
How to Separate Egg Whites from Egg Yolks
There are plenty of ways to separate eggs. You can use traditional methods, kitchen tools, or cooking hacks!
Shell Method
This is one of the first methods used in separating eggs.
- You can crack the egg over a bowl and let the egg whites drip.
- Then, keep the yolk in the other half of the shell.
- Once the egg whites are filtered, put the egg yolks in a separate bowl.
Hand Method
For this method, make sure that your hands are clean and dry!
- Crack the egg in a bowl.
- Use your hand to lift the yolk from the whites gently.
- Then, put the yolk in another bowl.
Suction Method
Remember to properly wash and sanitize the plastic bottle to be used as a suction.
- Crack the egg in a bowl.
- Squeeze into the middle of the bottle.
- Then, hold the bottle’s opening beside the egg yolk.
- Release pressure from the middle of the bottle to suction the yolk.
- Squeeze the egg yolks into another bowl.
Kitchen Gadgets
Alternatively, you can avail yourself of the convenience of kitchen tools like egg separators or slotted spoons. Simply crack the egg over the egg separator or slotted spoon, let the egg whites drip into one bowl, and transfer the yolks to a separate bowl.
Homemade Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour may sound fancy, but it’s just made of only three ingredients you can easily find in your pantry. Mix a cup of all-purpose flour with ½ sea salt and 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder!
How to Check the Sponge Cake for Doneness
There are various ways to know when the Sponge Cake is baked.
- You will notice that the edges of the cake will start to separate from the baking pan.
- The edges might also appear darker or golden brown in color.
- Alternatively, you can conduct a touch test. Lightly press down on the cake using your fingers; if it naturally bounces back up, you can take it out of the oven.
- However, if your fingers leave indents on the cake, bake it in the oven for another five minutes before checking again.
- You can also push a toothpick or small knife into the middle of the cake. If you pull it out and it’s clean, you can take it out of the oven.
Vanilla Cake Recipe Variations
There are many ways to customize the Vanilla Cake recipe. Instead of self-rising flour, you can use cake flour or all-purpose flour with baking powder.
In case you don’t want to put eggs into the cake batter, there are plenty of egg substitutes you can use. Meanwhile, the best milk options include evaporated milk, almond milk, or whole milk.
Use enough vanilla extract to truly give the cake its flavor. You can also use other kinds of oil or butter in the cake batter. There are also other seasonings you can use to complement the cake.
No-Oven Vanilla Cake
If you don’t have an oven, there are other ways to make Vanilla Cake.
Steam
- Heat a large pot over a medium-high fire.
- Then, place a wire rack in the middle.
- Cook the cake over low fire for 50 minutes or until done.
Air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 165°C.
- Air fry the cake for 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Recommended Tools
- Oven: Bake the Vanilla Cake in an oven.
- Hand mixer: Use a mixer to prepare the cake batter.
- Glass bowl: Fold the ingredients in a bowl.
- Spatula: Stir the mixtures with a spatula.
- Baking pan: Bake the cake in a baking pan.
- Cake tester: Check if the cake is baked perfectly.
- Egg separator: Use this practical tool to segregate the egg white from the egg yolk.
- Sieve: Filter the flour with a sieve.
- Parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper.
- Wire rack: Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
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How to Serve Vanilla Cake
There are many ways to serve and present Vanilla Sponge Cake. You can serve it in slices along with some tea or coffee. I also suggest decorating it with your favorite toppings.
If you want to add flavor to the cake, then slice it into layers and use ganache or any filling you want. You can try using custard, chocolate, buttercream, strawberry jam, and more.
It can even be enjoyed with Vanilla Ice Cream for a creamy and refreshing dessert. Enjoy this delicacy for brunch, snacks, or desserts!
Check out these beverages to pair with a slice of this cake:
More Irresistible Cake Recipes
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Keep the cake in a container to last up to a week at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a vanilla cake?
It is considered as a vanilla cake if the regular cake base is flavored with pure vanilla extract. The vanilla extract gives the cake a sweet, pleasant, and caramelized quality.
Vanilla Cake has a golden brown color outside and soft and tender crumbs inside. It is usually moist and decadent so you will enjoy it even without any filling.
What is the difference between white cake and vanilla cake?
White cake is made of egg whites that are folded into butter or cake batter. On the other hand, the vanilla cake is cooked exactly like a cake, but it is flavored with vanilla extract.
There are also differences in color. The white cake has a pale white color, while the vanilla cake has more of a golden brown color.
What does vanilla cake taste like?
Vanilla Cake has a light, caramelized, and sweet flavor that is further improved with vanilla extract. It also has a touch of milky and creamy flavors from the ingredients.
What flavors with vanilla cake?
Since Vanilla Cake has a mild taste, you can pair it with foods with fruity, sweet, nutty, and tarty flavors. For instance, you can enjoy it with strawberries, apples, and pears.
You may also add lime or lemon to the batter for a sour and tangy taste. I also suggest using peanut butter or almonds to give it a better quality.
Vanilla Sponge Cake (With Video)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 120 g self-raising flour
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 45 ml sunflower oil
- 45 ml evaporated milk
- 5 ml vanilla extract
Instructions
- Use an egg separator to separate the egg yolk from the egg white.
- Whip the egg whites in a mixer until foamy and soft.
- Gradually add cane sugar in four parts.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sea salt
- Pour the egg yolk mixture into the egg white batter.
- Whip it until you achieve the soft peaks of the cream.
- Sieve self-rising flour into the batter.
- Whisk the sunflower oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Lined the baking pan with parchment paper.
- Then, pour the batter into the baking pan.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C for up to 25 minutes or until done.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a plate.
- Decorate the Vanilla Cake and serve!
Video
Notes
- Note that this recipe guide is for an 8-inch by a 3-inch baking pan.
- If you have a larger or smaller baking pan, adjust the measurements and the baking time.
- Use alternative ingredients for your dietary needs and preferences.
- Incorporating the sugar slowly will prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Sieving the flour is essential to remove impurities or break down large chunks of the flour.
- You can also push a toothpick into the cake; if it comes out clean, it is ready to be taken out.
- You can use a spoon or a whisk instead as an alternative to a mixer.
Nutrition
