Description
A comforting and versatile vanilla cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 180ml (3/4 cup) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Optional flavorings: 1 tablespoon soured cream or splash of almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round pan.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and airy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk in three additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
- Fold the batter with a spatula to avoid dry pockets. If using browned butter, stir it in.
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes for a round pan, or 45-55 minutes for a loaf, until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Brown your butter for a nuttier flavor and watch the bake instead of the clock for perfect results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: vanilla cake, easy cake, baking recipe, dessert, family favorite