Easy Breezy Vanilla Cake Recipe

Recently I was in need of a vanilla cake recipe (completely from scratch) – one that could be duplicated with ease and have very similar results. For any of you who have not yet baked from scratch yet, let me say that it is so hard (especially with cake) to have it turn out the same way more than once. Exact amounts of ingredients need to be used, and still things can sink, burn, be flat, too dense, etc.

I ran across this gem, and saw that the reviews were through the roof. I decided to give it a try, and have already made 3 batches in 24 hours. 

You will need:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of milk (it was suggested on the recipe to use 3/4 cups instead. I did and it was worth it!)

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, grease and flour the bottom of your cake pan (this is meant for a 9*9 pan or cupcakes, but can be easily accommodating to other sizes). Please make sure that the grease/flour mixture is only on the bottom as this helps the cake rise. If you’re worried about the ability to remove the cake once it’s done, just let it cool a few minutes and then take a knife gently around the edges of the cake. It will, I assure you, easily pop out. 

Now it’s time to cream together the butter and sugar. Then add the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla. After that has mixed, combine the flour and baking powder and add to the liquid mix. Then, add the milk.

If you’re making a cake, bake this for 30-40 minutes, for cupcakes it takes about 20-25 minutes. The way to know if the cake is done is not only by the tried and true toothpick test (insert pick into the middle of the cake and remove, if comes out clean it’s done) but also by touch. If you can touch it and it springs back up, the cake is ready!

For a very easy (and pretty) topping to your cake I have a delicious cream cheese and strawberry recipe.

You will need:

• 8 ounces of cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup of whipping cream (or purchase pre done)
• 1/4 pound of powdered sugar
• Strawberries

Combine all of the ingredients, except for the strawberries, in a mixer until it is thick and creamy. If you are making your whipping cream from scratch (best taste ever!) make sure to whip it first before adding everything else (just place the liquid in the bowl and mix on high for about 3 minutes, or until peaks form). After it is thick and tasty, spread on top of cake and place cut strawberries on top in whatever design you choose.