What makes the perfect cake even better – a tangy cream cheese frosting, of course. This homemade vanilla cake is surprisingly easy to make from scratch, using simple ingredients like high-quality vanilla extract and a classic cream cheese frosting. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert.

Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Imagine a moist and fluffy vanilla cake, smothered in a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting – a match made in heaven. This classic dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve impressive results. With this simple recipe, you can unleash your creativity and make a delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings and everything in between.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting provides a perfect balance of flavors, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The cake and frosting are straightforward to prepare, with minimal complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family with its moist texture and rich flavor.

Key Ingredients

To make this delicious vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following key ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and 1 cup of whole milk. For the frosting, you’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Practical substitutions include using almond milk instead of whole milk, or replacing the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost them with the cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then beat in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the butter and eggs, for the best results.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
• If you’re not using the frosting immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.

Heat Control

To ensure that your cakes are cooked to perfection, keep an eye on the temperature and timing. The ideal temperature for baking the cakes is 350°F (180°C), and they should be baked for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. You can also check for doneness by gently pressing on the top of each cake – if it springs back, it’s ready.

Crunch Factor

This vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting is designed to be moist and tender, rather than crunchy. To achieve this texture, make sure to not overbake the cakes, and use the right amount of liquid ingredients in the batter. You can also try adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the batter to help the cakes rise and give them a lighter texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Don’t overbeat the frosting, as this can make it too stiff and separate.
• Try adding a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance out the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Storage Tips

• Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and allowed to come to room temperature before using.
• Consider using a cake keeper or a large plastic container to store the cake and keep it fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting makes a wonderful gift for friends and family. Consider packaging it in a beautiful cake box or a decorative tin, and adding a ribbon or a gift tag to make it extra special. You could also try packaging individual slices in cellophane bags or wrapping them in plastic wrap, and tying them with a ribbon or a twist tie.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Use different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the cake.
• Add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If your cakes are too dense, try reducing the amount of flour in the batter or adding a little more liquid.
• If your frosting is too stiff, try adding a little more powdered sugar or cream cheese.
• If your cakes are not cooking evenly, try rotating the pans halfway through the baking time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this cake contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

This vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic dessert that’s sure to please. With its moist and tender texture, and rich and tangy flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to the recipe – and most importantly, have fun and happy baking!