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Vanilla Cake

This delightful Vanilla Cake is easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted to control the saltiness better.
  • 1/2 cup avocado, canola, or vegetable oil Avocado oil adds a unique richness.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Sweetness is the secret to happiness!
  • 4 large eggs Room temperature eggs mix more easily.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract The heart of our Vanilla Cake.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Make sure to sift for fluffiness.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder This helps the cake rise perfectly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt A little salt balances the sweetness.
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk Absolutely crucial for that moist texture.
  • as needed chocolate frosting Because who can resist chocolate?

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (177C) and prepare two deep 8-inch round cake pans by lining with parchment paper and greasing them.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Fold gently to form a tender crumb.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Cool in pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Frost with chocolate frosting and decorate as desired.

Notes

For a time-saving trick, prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight; just bring it back to room temperature before baking. If the cake is a bit dry, add a splash of vanilla extract to your buttermilk to enhance flavor! You can also swap half the all-purpose flour for almond flour for a nuttier twist.