Rich Vanilla Cake Recipe for Classic Sweet Moments

Vanilla cake whispers sweet comfort into every celebration, turning ordinary gatherings into memorable feasts.

This beloved dessert dances between simplicity and sophistication with remarkable grace.

Its pillowy crumbs and golden hue beckon dessert lovers from across the culinary landscape.

Bakers of all skill levels treasure this classic recipe for its forgiving nature and crowd-pleasing allure.

The enchantment of vanilla cake resides in its ability to transform basic ingredients into pure edible magic.

Each slice promises a symphony of delicate flavors that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Let this recipe be your gateway to creating delectable moments that linger long after the last crumb disappears.

How to Keep Vanilla Cake Fresh

• Preserve Cake Freshness: Store cooled cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Refrigerate with Care: When adding frosting or filling, store cake in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days, preventing drying and maintaining soft texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in double plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead baking.
• Thaw with Precision: Remove frozen cake layers and let defrost at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving, ensuring optimal taste and texture without compromising quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten’s Vanilla Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural taste and better texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensure it's fresh and not expired to guarantee proper cake rising.
• Salt: Fine-grain table salt works best for even distribution in the batter.

• Butter, Eggs: Select high-quality, room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and richer flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk provides the best richness and moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial for a more authentic, deep flavor.

• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness and smooth texture.
• Eggs: Fresh, large eggs help bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb.

Tools You Need to Bake Ina’s Vanilla Cake

• Oven: Essential for baking the cake at the perfect temperature.
• Round cake pans (2): Standard 9-inch pans for creating even cake layers.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Mixing bowls (2): One medium for dry ingredients, one large for wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and beating eggs until fluffy.
• Spatula: Great for smoothing batter and scraping sides of the bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee baking success.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick: Quick tool to check if cake is fully baked.

Instructions to Make Vanilla Cake

• Warm Up Kitchen Workspace Preheat the oven and get your baking tools ready. Grab two round cake pans and prepare them with a light butter coating, parchment paper lining, and a gentle flour dusting to ensure smooth cake release.
• Mix Dry Ingredient Foundation Combine flour, rising agent, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk these dry components until they're perfectly blended and free of lumps.
• Create Silky Butter Base Grab a large mixing bowl and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, creamy mixture. Gently introduce eggs one by one, blending thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for that irresistible flavor boost.
• Merge Mixtures with Care Gradually fold dry ingredients into the creamy butter base. Alternate between adding flour and milk, starting and ending with flour. Stir until the batter looks smooth and inviting.
• Prepare Cake for Baking Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a spatula to create a perfectly level surface, ensuring your cake will bake uniformly.
• Bake to Golden Perfection Slide the pans into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean and dry, signaling a perfectly baked cake.
• Cool and Celebrate Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pans for a short while. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to reach room temperature. Optional: Trim the tops for a professional-looking layer cake. Your delightful vanilla creation is ready to be enjoyed!

Expert Baking Tips and Sweet Variations

Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut to transform the vanilla base into a unique taste sensation.

Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an extra-rich, tender crumb that stays soft for days.

Create stunning visual effects by using edible flowers, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles to elevate the cake’s presentation and wow your guests.

Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert without compromising on taste or texture.

How to Plate and Serve Vanilla Cake

• Decorate with Elegance: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a classic, sophisticated look that adds a delicate touch of sweetness.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Top each slice with a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to create a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Delight: Whip up a smooth cream cheese frosting to spread between layers and cover the entire cake, creating a rich and creamy finish that complements the vanilla base.
• Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Serve alongside a pot of hot tea or coffee, making this cake the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed gathering with friends or a cozy afternoon treat.

Rich Vanilla Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s vanilla cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb. Elegant simplicity and classic ingredients make this recipe a beloved choice for celebrations and quiet moments alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 eggs (large, room temperature)
• 2 sticks (226 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) sugar
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) whole milk (or ¾ cup heavy cream and ½ cup water)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• Extra butter (for greasing pans)
• Extra flour (for dusting pans)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper, and dust lightly with flour to ensure easy cake release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps and distribute leavening agents evenly.
3. Create Butter Base: Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy consistency with a light, airy texture.
4. Integrate Wet Components: Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Develop Cake Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix minimally to maintain a silky, well-integrated batter without overmixing.
6. Fill and Settle Pans: Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Tap pans against the counter to eliminate potential air bubbles and ensure consistent texture.
7. Bake and Verify: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Optional: trim cake tops for a level surface if desired.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Tip: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even creaming with sugar, which creates a lighter cake texture.
• Mixing Technique: Gently fold dry and wet ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can result in a dense, tough cake with less rise.
• Flour Dusting Trick: Properly greasing and flouring pans prevents cake from sticking and ensures clean, easy removal without breaking.
• Freshness Booster: Use pure vanilla extract for authentic, rich flavor; avoid imitation vanilla for the best possible taste and aroma.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg