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Basic Vanilla Cake

Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, or salted and omit the salt (1 cup = 2 sticks) (must be room temperature)
  • 1.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1.25 cup whole milk (3/4 cup cream + 1/2 cup water)

Instructions
 

  • Sift all the dry ingredients together.
  • In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until the sugar is fully absorbed, lighter colour, and fluffy. This takes approximately 3 minutes on medium with a hand/stand mixer.
  • Slow the mixer to medium, and slowly mix in the eggs, one at a time.
  • Keep mixing and add the vanilla.
  • Alternate adding the milk and dry ingredients, 1/3 of each at a time.
  • Pour the batter evenly into 2 9" diameter cake pans, that are greased and floured, and the bottom is lined with greased parchment paper.
  • Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the pans cool for 10 minutes on a rack.
  • Carefully cut around the edge of the pans (plastic knife, not metal), and flip the cakes over on the cooling rack.
  • Let the cakes cool completely.
  • Remove the parchment paper, and trim the tops with a serrated knife if desired.

Notes

Bake at 325F if using a dark metal cake pan.