Are you craving a taste of that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla cake? Forget the queues and the city bustle; today, we're bringing the magic of Magnolia Bakery right to your kitchen. This recipe delivers a supremely moist, delicately flavored vanilla cake, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple Tuesday treat. Get ready to bake your way to happiness with this easy-to-follow recipe, guaranteed to become a family favorite. This is homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
This recipe is designed for a two-layer 9-inch cake. Adjust quantities proportionally for different sized cakes.
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mixture is the foundation of our light and fluffy cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results – it makes the process quicker and easier! This step incorporates air into the batter, leading to a more tender cake.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, gently whisk together the buttermilk.
- 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.
Baking the Cake:
- 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. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cake and adjust baking time as needed.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cakes to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
Making the Magnolia-Style Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Frost the top of the first layer evenly with a generous amount of buttercream.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Get creative! You can use a piping bag for decorative swirls or a simple knife for a smooth finish.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter for a subtle almond flavor.
- Use different extracts like lemon or orange to create unique flavor profiles.
- Decorate your cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This recipe offers a delicious and relatively healthy way to enjoy a classic dessert. Remember that homemade cooking is all about adapting to your tastes and preferences. So, experiment with different flavors and decorations and enjoy the process of creating this delightful Magnolia Bakery-inspired vanilla cake!