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
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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