Chelsea's Ultimate Vanilla Cake Recipe Revealed

Are you a fan of baking and looking to add a timeless classic to your repertoire? Vanilla cake is the epitome of traditional baking, offering a sweet, moist, and universally loved base for countless creative decorations. In this blog post, we'll delve into Chelsea's Ultimate Vanilla Cake Recipe, revealing her secret steps to ensure you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To craft the perfect vanilla cake, the quality of ingredients is paramount. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¹⁄₂ cup of vegetable oil
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature

📝 Note: All ingredients should be at room temperature to ensure they mix evenly and produce a smooth batter.

The Baking Process

The key to a perfect vanilla cake lies not just in the ingredients but also in the meticulous preparation. Here’s how to proceed:

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier cake release.

Mixing the Batter

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl or stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, and oil until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process aerates the butter, contributing to the cake’s lift and texture.
3. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mix. Add the Greek yogurt or sour cream with the last addition of milk.

Baking

1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
3. Allow cakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

👉 Note: Baking times can vary slightly due to oven variances, so always check with the toothpick test to ensure your cake is cooked through but not overbaked.

Frosting and Decoration

A good vanilla cake deserves an equally great frosting. Here are some popular choices:

• Buttercream - Classic and simple, providing a sweet complement to the vanilla flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting - For a tangy twist that pairs wonderfully with vanilla.
• Ganache - A rich chocolate option for chocolate lovers.

💡 Note: Chelsea recommends using a basic vanilla buttercream for this cake for an all-vanilla experience. Here's a simple recipe:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter
• 4 cups of confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

Serving Suggestions

Your vanilla cake can be served:

• Naked - With just a thin layer of frosting.
• Decorated - With piped frosting designs or a rustic finish.
• Layered - With fillings like jams, custards, or fresh fruit.

Let's now sum up the key points we've covered:

This vanilla cake recipe by Chelsea offers a balance of simplicity and flavor, using key ingredients to produce a tender crumb and rich taste. Remember the importance of room temperature ingredients, the precise process of creaming, and the versatility in decoration. With these steps, you're set to bake a cake that could rival Chelsea's own.

Why is room temperature important for ingredients?

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Room temperature ingredients mix together more evenly, ensuring a uniform texture in the cake. This temperature allows butter to cream properly with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter cake.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

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Yes, you can use sour cream as a direct substitute or try buttermilk for a slightly different tang. The key is to maintain the moisture content of the batter.

What if my cake is browning too quickly?

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If your cake is browning too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil towards the end of baking time to prevent over-browning while ensuring the center is fully baked.