This recipe provides instructions for making a Classic Vanilla Layer Cake adorned with a smooth Cream Cheese Frosting. Vanilla cake is a timeless dessert known for its light, tender crumb and pure vanilla flavor, making it a versatile choice for celebrations or everyday enjoyment. Layer cakes consist of multiple layers of cake stacked with frosting or filling in between, creating a visually appealing and texturally interesting dessert. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the vanilla cake. The image shows a two-layer vanilla cake on a light green cake stand. A slice has been cut and partially removed, revealing the light yellow, airy crumb of the cake layers and the creamy white frosting in between and coating the outside. A silver fork rests on the plate next to the cut slice. White flowers with green leaves are visible in the background, adding a touch of elegance. The overall appearance suggests a moist, delicious, and classic vanilla cake perfect for any occasion.
Based on common recipes for vanilla layer cake and cream cheese frosting, the ingredients likely include:
For the Vanilla Cake:
- All-purpose flour, providing the structure for the cake.
- Granulated sugar, for sweetness.
- Baking powder, a leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
- Salt, to balance the sweetness and enhance other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened, adding richness and tenderness.
- Vegetable oil, contributing to the moistness of the cake.
- Large eggs, providing structure, richness, and binding.
- Vanilla extract, the primary flavoring for the cake.
- Milk or buttermilk, adding moisture and tenderness.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened, forming the tangy and creamy base of the frosting.
- Unsalted butter, softened, adding richness and smoothness.
- Powdered sugar, for sweetness and to create a stable frosting.
- Vanilla extract, enhancing the flavor of the frosting.
- Optional: A pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness.
The preparation involves first making the vanilla cake by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Vegetable oil is then mixed in, followed by the eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract. The dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) are whisked together separately and then gradually added to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk or buttermilk, and mixed until just combined to avoid overmixing. The batter is divided evenly between two greased and floured cake pans and baked until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes are then cooled completely on wire racks. While the cakes are cooling, the cream cheese frosting is made by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Powdered sugar is gradually added and beaten until the frosting is smooth and reaches the desired consistency. Vanilla extract (and optional salt) is mixed in. Once the cakes are completely cooled, one layer is placed on a serving plate, topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, and the second layer is placed on top. The remaining frosting is used to frost the top and sides of the cake.
Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. It’s a versatile cake that can be decorated further with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or other embellishments.
The texture is a delightful combination of a light and tender cake crumb with a smooth and creamy frosting that has a slight tang.
The flavor is a classic and comforting vanilla sweetness complemented by the rich and slightly tangy cream cheese frosting.
Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a multi-layered vanilla cake with a smooth, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting.
The preparation involves baking two layers of vanilla cake and making a cream cheese frosting, then assembling the cake with frosting between and over the layers.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Equipment:
- Two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire racks
- Offset spatula or knife for frosting
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vegetable oil until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk or buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional salt.
- Assemble and Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting until smooth.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy this timeless and delicious cake!