Are you craving a taste of pure, unadulterated deliciousness? Look no further! This French Vanilla Cake recipe is your ticket to a heavenly dessert experience. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a moist, fluffy cake bursting with the rich aroma of vanilla. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create such a show-stopping dessert!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents for a perfectly light cake.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer. The fluffier the mixture, the lighter your cake will be.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
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Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
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Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Adding the sugar slowly prevents a powdered sugar explosion!
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Add Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Assembling the Cake:
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Level Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them.
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Frost & Enjoy: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of buttercream frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Get creative with your frosting!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add some zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a delightful citrusy twist.
- Chocolate lover? Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a decadent chocolate vanilla cake.
- Make it a layer cake: Use three 6-inch cake pans for taller layers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
This French Vanilla Cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and exquisite taste make it a winner every time. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe, perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. Happy baking!