Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream

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Introduction

Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream is a classic dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its soft, moist layers paired with rich, creamy buttercream frosting create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to indulge in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origin, cultural significance, ingredients, and much more about this delightful dessert.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The vanilla layer cake is a timeless classic, deeply rooted in culinary traditions around the world. Vanilla, one of the most popular flavors in baking, has been used for centuries to enhance the taste of various desserts. The combination of a fluffy cake base with a luscious buttercream frosting became a staple in many cultures, especially in Western cuisine. This cake is often associated with celebrations and special occasions, making it a beloved dessert that brings people together.

Ingredients Quantity

To create the perfect Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons of milk

For Decoration:

  • Assorted edible flowers
  • Colored sprinkles

These ingredients come together to create a delightful and visually appealing cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Optional Additions

To personalize your Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream, consider adding some optional ingredients:

  • Fruit Fillings: Add a layer of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, between the cake layers for a burst of fruity flavor.
  • Flavor Extracts: Substitute or complement the vanilla extract with almond, lemon, or coconut extract for a unique twist.
  • Colored Frosting: Use food coloring to tint the buttercream frosting, making your cake vibrant and festive.
  • Nuts: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.

These additions can make your cake uniquely yours and cater to your taste preferences.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for the cake batter. This helps create a smooth and well-mixed batter, resulting in a tender cake.
  2. Even Layers: To achieve even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between the pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula before baking.
  3. Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures a neat finish.
  4. Piping Tips: Use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative swirls and patterns with the buttercream frosting. Practice on a piece of parchment paper before decorating the cake.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve a beautiful and delicious Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and combined.

Bake the Cake

  1. Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

  1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

  1. Layer Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
  2. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Use a piping bag with a star tip to add decorative swirls on the top of the cake.

Decorate the Cake

  1. Sprinkle Toppings: Sprinkle the top with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
  2. Add Flowers: Add edible flowers as an elegant garnish around the edges and on top of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the cake as a delightful dessert for any occasion. Its beautiful presentation and delicious taste are sure to impress your guests.

Description

The Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The cake layers are soft, moist, and infused with the rich aroma of vanilla. The buttercream frosting is creamy and smooth, providing the perfect contrast to the tender cake. Edible flowers and colored sprinkles add a touch of elegance and festivity to the presentation. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and vanilla flavor, making this cake a true delight for any celebration.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream contains approximately:

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 45g
  • Protein: 4g

These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its classic flavors, beautiful presentation, and delightful taste make it a perfect choice for celebrations and gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try and sharing it with your loved ones.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While this cake is a sweet indulgence, you can make small adjustments to embrace a more healthful approach. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Reduce the sugar content slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with adding fruit purees, such as applesauce or mashed bananas, to the batter for extra moisture and flavor. By making these small changes, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream while incorporating some healthful benefits.

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