When it comes to baking, few things evoke the warmth and sweetness of a homemade cake. The Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting beckons with its tender crumb and creamy frosting, making it a favorite at any family gathering. Imagine cutting into a beautifully frosted cake, where each slice reveals a light, moist texture that melts in your mouth. Fun fact: did you know that vanilla is one of the most popular flavors worldwide? This cake embodies the warmth of traditional home baking, perfect for dessert lovers of all ages!
Many readers rave about this cake’s simplicity, often ranking it among the top cake recipes on popular food blogs. Just like that companion recipe for chocolate chip cookies that brings you straight back to your childhood, this vanilla cake is bound to evoke memories of laughter and celebration around your table. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into crafting this delightfully satisfying treat!
What is Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting?
So, let’s break it down: the Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting is not your average vanilla cake. But why is it called “vanilla cake,” anyway? Is there a secret society of bakers who camouflage their cakes’ true identities? Probably not! What we do know is that this cake delivers the classic vanilla flavor everyone loves. Some say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and with this cake, you’ll surely impress!
Picture this: a sunny afternoon spent in the kitchen, laughter echoing as you mix, pour, and frosting decorate. Are you ready to whip up a cake that’s not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
The Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting is the epitome of comfort food. Imagine slicing into a moist, fluffy cake that releases the scent of pure vanilla with every cut. Cooking at home saves you money compared to those over-priced bakery cakes, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch is unmatched.
Pair this delightful cake with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles on top and you have a dessert that rivals any fancy celebration cake out there! Trust me, once you make this vanilla cake, you won’t want to return to store-bought options again. Your friends and family will be begging for seconds—you might just have to hide those leftovers from them!
How to Make Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Quick Overview
Making this cake may seem scary at first, but I assure you it’s an easy and gratifying process. You’ll create a dessert boasting a perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the fluffy cake. This cake comes together in just under two hours, making it ideal for those spontaneous family gatherings or cozy winter evenings when you want something delicious to share.
Key Ingredients for Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fabulous cake:
- For the Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
- Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve to your delighted family and friends!
Top Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for a butter alternative, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a different flavor profile.
- Timing: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps create that light and fluffy texture.
- Avoiding Mistakes: Be careful not to over-mix your batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best results!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cake), store the Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature for a few hours, or warm up individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.
Now that you have all the details, are you ready to create this delightful treat? Dive into the world of baking with the Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting, and watch as it transforms your family gatherings into memorable moments filled with joy and sweetness!
Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing until just combined.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Serving
- Slice and serve to your delighted family and friends!
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