Flavors Worth Savoring
Fluffy Classic Cake
Nothing beats the charm of a Classic Cake—a moist, fluffy treat that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an everyday indulgence. With its rich vanilla flavor, tender crumb, and the versatility to adapt to any occasion, this cake is a timeless dessert loved by all. This step-by-step guide will help you bake a foolproof Classic Cake that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a bakery.
Recipe Overview
| Dish Type | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 12 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Cooking Time | 35 minutes |
| Overall Prep Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Calories | ~290 kcal per serving |
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Classic Cake Special?
- Ingredients for Classic Cake
- Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preparing the Batter
- Baking the Cake
- Frosting and Decorating
- Tips for the Perfect Classic Cake
- How to Serve a Classic Cake
- Key Takeaways and Variations
What Makes a Classic Cake Special?
A Classic Cake is the foundation of baking, combining a buttery vanilla base with a light and airy texture. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing you to pair it with a variety of frostings, fillings, or toppings. This versatile cake is perfect for both casual and formal occasions and never fails to impress.
Ingredients for Classic Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Frosting (Buttercream):
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Optional Decorations:
- Sprinkles, fresh fruit, or edible flowers.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step incorporates air into the batter for a lighter cake.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients and milk: Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
- Divide the batter: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Frosting and Decorating
- Make the buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Stir in the vanilla and heavy cream, then beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides evenly.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles, fresh fruit, or other decorations of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Classic Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should all be at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense and tough.
- Level Cake Layers: Trim the tops of the cake layers if necessary to create a flat surface for even stacking.
- Customize the Frosting: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate buttercream or a drop of food coloring for a vibrant finish.
How to Serve a Classic Cake
Serve your Classic Cake on a beautiful cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. Slice and pair with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Key Takeaways and Variations
- Why Classic Cake Stands Out: Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for any event, from birthdays to weddings.
- Flavor Variations:
- Lemon Classic Cake: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Classic Cake: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Diet Compatibility:
Vegetarian Diet: Suitable as it contains no meat or fish.
Mediterranean Diet (with modifications): Use olive oil and reduce sugar.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.
DASH Diet (with modifications): Reduce sugar and use low-fat dairy products.
