Best 4 Old Fashioned Vanilla Cake Recipes

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In the realm of classic desserts, few can rival the timeless charm of an old fashioned vanilla cake. With its tender crumb, golden crust, and sweet, vanilla-scented flavor, this beloved cake has been a staple of home kitchens and celebrations for generations. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the world of home baking, this article will help you create a truly exceptional old fashioned vanilla cake. We'll guide you through every step of the process, from gathering the necessary ingredients to mastering the art of cake decorating. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a cake so delightful, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

VANILLA BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH OLD-FASHIONED VANILLA BUTTERCREAM



Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream image

This moist and delicious birthday cake recipe is adapted from one of my favorite baking books, Perfect Cakes by Nick Malgieri.

Provided by Jennifer Segal, cake portion adapted from Perfect Cakes by Nick Malgieri

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield Makes one {8-inch|20 cm} 2-layer cake, or 24 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with back edge of knife
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
6 large egg whites, at room temperature
¾ cup whole milk, at room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
6 cups confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch salt

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Cut two 8-inch rounds of parchment paper and line the bottom of each pan; spray the paper with nonstick spray. (To measure the parchment paper, just trace the bottom of the pan.)
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until very soft and light. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the egg whites and milk by hand in a medium bowl until just combined.
  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in one-quarter of the flour mixture, then one-third of the milk mixture, stopping and scraping down the bowl and beater after each addition. Beat in another quarter of the flour, then another third of the milk mixture. Scrape again. Repeat with another quarter of the flour and the remaining milk mixture; scrape. Finally, beat in the remaining flour mixture.
  • Scrape the bowl with a large rubber spatula. Don't worry if the the batter looks a little grainy. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
  • Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, until they are well risen and firm and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on rack for 5 minutes, then unmold onto rack to finish cooling right side up (keep parchment paper underneath cake layers so they don't stick to rack). When cake layers are completely cool, transfer to cake plate and frost with vanilla buttercream. (I always flip the bottom layer of the cake so that the domed side is facing down and touching the plate. That way, the surface that you're icing is flat and will minimize any separating between the two layers when you put the other layer on top of it.)
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until creamy and well combined.
  • Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat in the vanilla and salt. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen, without frosting, for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, double-wrap it securely with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight on the countertop and then frost before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571, Fat 23 g, Carbohydrate 88g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sugar 73 g, Fiber 0 g, Sodium 167 mg, Cholesterol 63 mg

OLD-FASHIONED VANILLA CAKE



Old-Fashioned Vanilla Cake image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-by-13-inch layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups cake flour, (not self-rising)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup large egg whites (about 8), room temperature
1/2 cups milk, room temperature

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch cake pan; line bottom with parchment paper. Sift together flours and baking powder; set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla, beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add egg whites, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add reserved flour mixture in 2 parts, alternating with the milk, and scraping down sides of bowl between each addition. Mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high for 20 seconds. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

GRANNY'S OLD FASHIONED PUDDING CAKE VIGILANTE



Granny's Old Fashioned Pudding Cake Vigilante image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 50m

Yield One 9-by-13-inch cake, about 15 slices

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 box vanilla cake mix
1 small box vanilla pudding mix
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 cups powdered sugar
1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the cake: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, lemon zest and lemon and lime juices. Whisk well, or beat with a hand mixer, until the batter is combined and smooth.
  • Pour the batter into a 9-by-13-inch nonstick baking pan, or use a regular pan coated with cooking spray. Bake until the cake is baked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven.
  • For the glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, butter, buttermilk, lemon and lime zests and lemon juice in a saucepan and whisk well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Remove from the heat.
  • Slice the cake into even pieces and drizzle the glaze over the top.
  • This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

OLD FASHIONED POUND CAKE II



Old Fashioned Pound Cake II image

This is my mom's recipe from about 1930. It rises high in the tube pan, is moist, and smells heavenly baking.

Provided by Sylvia Zumpano

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Pound Cake Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 ½ cups shortening
3 cups white sugar
6 eggs
1 cup milk
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan. Sift together the flour and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla and lemon extract. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 454 calories, Carbohydrate 59.3 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 5.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 178.5 mg, Sugar 38.4 g

Tips:

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to prevent curdling.
  • Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution and to remove any lumps.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and gluten development.
  • Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent crumbling.
  • Use a simple vanilla buttercream frosting for a classic and delicious finish.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned vanilla cake is a timeless classic that brings back memories of home and simpler times. With its moist, tender crumb, delicate vanilla flavor, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious and impressive cake that will be enjoyed by all. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let's bake a cake that will create lasting memories!

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