Flavors Worth Savoring
Fluffy Classic Cake Recipe – Perfect Vanilla Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: French, MediterraneanDifficulty: MediumServings
8
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
300
kcalDescription of Recipe:
This Classic Cake Recipe is a timeless dessert that features a light, fluffy texture. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a treat. The cake is moist, airy, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of frostings or toppings. By following this easy recipe, you can create a delicious cake that is ideal for the Mediterranean diet with a few healthy adjustments or can be made gluten-free.
The Cake has origins in European baking traditions, particularly in France and England during the 19th century. It evolved as a popular dessert for celebrations and quickly spread across different regions, becoming a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often adapted with local flavors and ingredients.
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.
Ingredients For Vanilla Cake (do not use vanilla if you want it plain)
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or olive oil for a Mediterranean twist)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extractFor the Vanilla Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Vanilla Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the frosting over one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Notes
- If you want to make this cake without vanilla, you can simply omit the vanilla extract, and the cake will still be delicious. However, here are a few tips to ensure the cake remains flavorful:
Add Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of a lemon or an orange into the batter to give the cake a fresh, citrusy flavor. This will add a subtle yet delightful taste to your cake.
Use Almond Extract: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract. It has a rich, nutty flavor that works well in cakes, but be sure to use half the amount (¾ tsp instead of 1½ tsp) as almond extract is stronger than vanilla.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These spices can add warmth and depth to the cake without overpowering it.
Infuse with Lavender or Rose Water: For a Mediterranean twist, use a teaspoon of rose water or lavender extract. This will give your cake a delicate floral aroma and flavor.
By incorporating one of these tips, you can create a unique and flavorful cake that doesn’t rely on vanilla!Remarks, Tips, and Ideas:
Tip: For a more Mediterranean flavor, drizzle with a little honey before serving.
Idea: Add a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for extra flavor.
Variation: Mix in some lemon zest or almond extract for a different twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
