popular and delicious cake
Classic Vanilla Cake
#### **Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup (120ml) milk
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool:** Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
#### **Optional Frosting:**
– **Vanilla Buttercream:**
– ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until fluffy and smooth.
This classic vanilla cake is simple but always a hit. Feel free to adapt it with your favorite flavors or frostings!