Vanilla Cake

Why Make This Recipe

This Simple Vanilla Cake is perfect for anyone seeking a delicious treat without the hassle of complicated steps or kitchen gadgets. With just one bowl and no electric mixer needed, you can whip up a delightful cake that’s perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or just because. Its rich vanilla flavor and moist texture will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make Simple Vanilla Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (225 g) plain flour / all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (16 g) baking powder
• 1 cup (240 g) caster sugar / superfine sugar
• 180 g (¾ cup / 6.5 oz) butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (375 mL) milk
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (fan/convection) or 180°C / 355°F (standard). Grease and line a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin with baking paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and baking powder. Whisk in the sugar.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk everything together until well combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks a little lumpy; that’s okay!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Simple Vanilla Cake

This cake can be served plain, allowing the delightful vanilla flavor to shine. You can also top it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or serve it with fresh whipped cream and berries for a more decadent treat. It pairs well with tea or coffee, making it a great addition to any gathering.

How to Store Simple Vanilla Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Simple Vanilla Cake

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Don’t over-mix the batter; just whisk until combined.
• Check the cake a few minutes before the baking time ends to avoid overbaking. The skewer should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture. For a citrus twist, try adding some lemon or orange zest to the mixture.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly.

Q3: How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?
A3: You can replace ¼ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to create a delicious chocolate variation.