Whether you're marking a birthday, a wedding, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, a French Vanilla Cake holds a special place in everyone's heart. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb, this cake has become a timeless classic in the world of baking. Today, we're diving into Betty Crocker's Irresistible French Vanilla Cake Recipe, complete with instructions on how to make this show-stopping dessert, plus additional tips and variations to make it truly your own.
The Perfect French Vanilla Cake: Ingredients
- 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
🔍 Note: For best results, all ingredients should be at room temperature, particularly the eggs and butter, ensuring an even mix and texture.
Preparation Steps for the Perfect Bake
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter:
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the sour cream for an extra moist texture.
3. Baking the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Combine butter and sugar, adding milk and vanilla, then beat until creamy and smooth.
Assembling the Cake
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, ensuring even coverage.
- For a professional finish, use a spatula to smooth the sides and create swirls or designs as desired.
Variations and Creative Enhancements
Filling Options:
- Raspberry Compote: A tart and sweet raspberry filling to complement the vanilla flavor.
- Pastry Cream: Add a layer of rich vanilla pastry cream for an extra layer of creaminess.
Decoration Ideas:
- Sprinkle with edible gold dust or silver sugar pearls for an elegant touch.
- Create rosettes or piped swirls with leftover frosting for a decorative effect.
- Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a fresh look and taste.
🍰 Note: Remember to cool the cake layers completely before assembling to prevent melting frosting and ensure clean slices.
Why Betty Crocker’s French Vanilla Cake Works
Betty Crocker’s French Vanilla Cake recipe boasts several key elements that contribute to its popularity:
- Buttery Flavor: The high ratio of butter ensures a rich, buttery taste.
- Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Not just for flavor, it also adds depth to the cake’s aroma.
In wrapping up this journey through Betty Crocker’s French Vanilla Cake recipe, we’ve covered the essentials of creating a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. From selecting quality ingredients to the delicate art of assembly, each step has been designed to help you achieve that iconic, irresistible cake. The key takeaways include the importance of ingredient preparation, the mix of flavors for balance, and the versatility of the cake for different embellishments and pairings. Hopefully, this guide has not only provided you with a reliable recipe but also inspired you to personalize it, perhaps with your own unique spin on traditional flavors or decorations. Whether for a special event or a simple pleasure, baking this cake is sure to bring joy and delight to both the baker and the guests. Enjoy the process, savor the flavor, and revel in the joy of sharing this classic dessert.
Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a cake?
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Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for cupcakes. Simply reduce the baking time to approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You should yield about 24 cupcakes from this batter.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
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You can substitute Greek yogurt or buttermilk in an equal amount for sour cream, though you might need to adjust the baking time slightly due to changes in moisture content.
How do I store the cake after frosting?
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To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, although it might affect the texture. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
