What makes a classic vanilla cake truly unforgettable? It’s all about the cream cheese frosting. This easy homemade dessert features a moist vanilla cake paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting made with real butter and vanilla extract. Save this idea for your next family favorite recipe to try soon.

Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Imagine a moist and fluffy vanilla cake, perfectly complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. This dessert is not only a delight to the taste buds but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the endless possibilities for creativity, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress. With this vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting, you’ll discover how to achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of the vanilla cake and the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting, using ingredients that are easily found in most kitchens.
• Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the cake and frosting can be prepared in no time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or special occasions.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the combination of a beautifully baked cake and a creamy frosting will impress anyone, making it a great choice for those looking to make a statement without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, pure vanilla extract for the cake, and cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar for the frosting. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using salted butter and omitting additional salt, or replacing granulated sugar with caster sugar for a finer texture. For those looking for a dairy-free option, vegan butter and non-dairy cream cheese can be used as alternatives.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the frosting’s consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
4. Step 4: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired and serve.

Handy Tips

• Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a better emulsion and a lighter cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• If you find your frosting too thin, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm it up before using.

Heat Control

For baking the cake, maintaining the correct oven temperature is crucial. Ensure your oven is at 350°F (175°C) for the recommended baking time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. If you’re unsure, bake for a few more minutes and check again. The cake should be lightly golden on top and feel springy to the touch.

Crunch Factor

This vanilla cake is designed to be moist and tender, not crunchy. To achieve the perfect texture, don’t overbake the cake, and ensure you’re using the right amount of liquid ingredients. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth and creamy element, balancing out the textures beautifully.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for an extra moist cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod into the batter.
• To ensure your cake layers are even, bake them for the same amount of time and check them frequently towards the end of the baking time.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the layers separately before frosting and assembling.
• Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. Consider packaging a fully assembled and decorated cake in a beautiful cake box or a decorative tin. For a more personal touch, you can package individual cake slices in cute paper boxes or bags, tied with a ribbon and a gift tag. If you’re gifting the cake to someone who prefers to assemble it themselves, you can package the cake layers and frosting separately in airtight containers, along with a card containing assembly and frosting instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Top your cake with fresh fruits, nuts, or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract or use different types of sugar like brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, you might have overbaked it.
• Ingredient replacements: Always try to use the ingredients called for in the recipe, but if you must substitute, do so with caution and in small increments to taste.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking, and check it frequently towards the end. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the cake should spring back when pressed gently.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them before frosting and assembling.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have enough pans and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Making a vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting is a rewarding baking experience that yields delicious results with minimal effort. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations and decorations to make it your own. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the joy of sharing something homemade and full of love with those around you.