Ultimate Vanilla Cake from Scratch
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Ultimate Vanilla Cake from Scratch—a classic white cake recipe that surpasses any boxed mix in taste and texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake features a moist crumb and a subtle sweetness enhanced by almond extract. Customize it to your heart's content by folding in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for a personal touch, or add some food coloring to create a visually stunning pastel masterpiece with matching frosting. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual dessert, this cake has repeatedly earned its spot as the go-to recipe for unforgettable sweetness. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees you'll create a crowd-pleasing cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (Granulated)
Crisco Shortening
1/2 cup (White only)
Eggs
2 large (Room temperature)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (Sifted with flour)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Sifted with flour)
Buttermilk
1 cup (Room temperature)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (Pure)
Almond Extract
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack on the second-lowest position.
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy with no granules remaining, about 4 minutes.
4
Add the eggs and almond extract (if using) to the creamed mixture. Beat on high speed for an additional 5 minutes until thoroughly combined.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture along with the buttermilk, mixing well on low speed until fully blended, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly.
7
Bake on the second-lowest rack for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center after 25 minutes; it should come out clean.
8
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for the Ultimate Vanilla Cake from Scratch.
How does this cake compare to a boxed mix?
It is a classic white cake recipe that surpasses any boxed mix in taste and texture.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
The oven rack should be placed on the second-lowest position.
What size baking pan is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
How long should I cream the sugar and shortening?
Cream them together for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What speed should I use to cream the sugar and shortening?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed.
How long should I beat the mixture after adding eggs?
Beat on high speed for an additional 5 minutes until thoroughly combined.
What temperature should the eggs be?
The eggs should be at room temperature.
Which ingredients should be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
How should the dry mixture and buttermilk be added?
Gradually add them to the wet mixture on low speed.
How long should I mix the batter after adding flour and buttermilk?
Mix well for about 2-3 minutes until fully blended.
What temperature should the buttermilk be?
The buttermilk should be at room temperature.
What is the total baking time?
The cake should bake for 30-35 minutes.
When should I first check the cake for doneness?
Check for doneness with a toothpick after 25 minutes.
How do I know the cake is finished baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Where should the cake be moved to cool completely?
Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
What can I fold into the batter to customize the cake?
You can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Can I add food coloring to this recipe?
Yes, you can add food coloring to create a pastel cake.
Is the almond extract required?
No, the almond extract is listed as an optional ingredient.
What type of shortening is recommended?
White Crisco shortening is recommended.
What type of vanilla extract is suggested?
Pure vanilla extract is suggested.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the texture of the cake?
The cake features a moist crumb and a subtle sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
Yes, it is perfect for birthday celebrations and parties.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of flour should be used?
All-purpose flour should be used for this recipe.