Name: Soft Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornstarch; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup unflavored vegetable oil (canola); 1⅔ cups white granulated sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1¼ tbsp vanilla essence/extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature); 1½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature); 3 cups powdered sugar; 1½ tsp vanilla essence/extract; 1½ tbsp milk

Table of Contents

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen that’s been filled with love and warmth. The sun setting low on the horizon casts a soft golden light, glimmering on a freshly baked Soft Vanilla Cake cooling on the counter. The air is thick with sweet, buttery aromas, evoking memories of laughter-filled family gatherings where each slice of cake becomes more than just dessert; it is a connection to the heart and soul of those we cherish. This cake, with its delicate crumb and luscious frosting, is a fragrant reminder of the comfort found in Southern hospitality and traditions passed down through the generations.

Why Make This Soft Vanilla Cake

In Southern kitchens, cakes often embody much more than mere ingredients. They tell stories of family gatherings around the table, celebrations, and the comfort of home. Soft Vanilla Cake particularly symbolizes those treasured moments. The simplicity of the ingredients allows rich flavors to shine through, creating a delicious dessert that resonates with everyone.

For me, Soft Vanilla Cake is like a comforting embrace. It is often associated with my grandmother, whose hands would work the cake batter while telling stories of her childhood. The rhythmic sound of her wooden spoon against the mixing bowl mirrored the comforting chatter of family around her kitchen table. Each time I bake this cake, I am taken back to that special place a kitchen bustling with love, laughter, and the sweet anticipation of dessert after a long Southern meal.

In today’s fast-paced world, this Soft Vanilla Cake offers a pause a moment to appreciate the finer things in life. It serves as a reminder to slow down, enjoy the process of baking, and feel connected to those wonderful influences in our lives.

How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake

“Every time this pot simmers, it feels like my mama’s kitchen all over again.”

Creating a Soft Vanilla Cake is an art born from care and attention. It’s not just about following the recipe; it’s about immersing yourself in the experience. The sweet scent of vanilla swirls through your kitchen as the cake bakes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The anticipation builds as you watch the cake rise perfectly.

To create this memorable dish, you need the right ingredients that blend harmoniously together, ensuring each bite feels like home. We will gather simple, wholesome components that combine to create that delightful texture and rich flavor profile that Soft Vanilla Cake promises.

Gathering the Ingredients

To make Soft Vanilla Cake, here’s what you’ll need:

2¼ cups all-purpose flour (see note 1 if you want to use cake flour)
¼ cup cornstarch
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
½ cup unflavored vegetable oil (I use canola)
1⅔ cups white granulated sugar
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1¼ tbsp vanilla essence/extract
1 tsp white vinegar
1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature, see note 6 if using a homemade buttermilk substitute)
1½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
3 cups powdered sugar (also known as icing/confectioners’ sugar)
1½ tsp vanilla essence/extract
1½ tbsp milk (heavy or whipping cream is okay too)

Each ingredient plays its part in creating the Soft Vanilla Cake’s texture and flavor. Real butter adds a richness, enhancing the cake’s overall taste, so I always recommend using it if possible. Remember, these ingredients are more than just items on a grocery list; they are the heart and soul of a comforting tradition.

Step-by-Step Directions

Baking this Soft Vanilla Cake involves a delightful rhythm as you measure, mix, and watch your creation rise in the oven. The whole process becomes a sensory experience filling your home with comforting scents and that delightful anticipation only homemade treats can offer.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This steady heat is essential for creating that perfect crumb.
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step ensures an easy release once your cake is baked.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The aroma of these dry ingredients mingling in the air hints at the goodness to come.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, blend the unsalted butter and oil with the sugar until creamy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cake.

Add the Eggs and Flavor

Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla essence and vinegar. You might find the sweet scent of vanilla reminds you of all those special occasions in a cozy kitchen.

Combine with Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter-sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Over mixing could make the cake dense; we want a soft, fluffy texture.

Pour Into Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. The batter’s smooth consistency is something quite lovely to behold.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell of the cake baking will fill your kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and celebration.

The Frosting

Prepare the Buttercream

While the cakes cool, prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until smooth.
Add in the vanilla essence and milk, mixing until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting will be a delightful addition to your Soft Vanilla Cake, bringing all the elements together.

Frost the Cake

Once cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Gently place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. The feeling of decorating the cake brings a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Serving Soft Vanilla Cake With Family Warmth

When the time comes to serve the Soft Vanilla Cake, it’s more than just cutting a slice. It’s about the intimate moments shared with family gathered around the table, laughter echoing in the air. As you slice through the tender cake, the layers reveal themselves like cherished memories layered through time.

Traditionally, this cake shines on special occasions but is equally delightful on a casual Sunday afternoon, paired with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk. Each bite encapsulates the essence of Southern comfort and hospitality, enveloping your loved ones with warmth and joy.

Imagine putting that cake on the table, surrounded by your favorite Southern dishes. The aroma of fried chicken, collard greens, and buttery biscuits fills the room, inviting everyone to gather close. This cake stands proudly as a sweet finale to a meal steeped in tradition and love, each slice leaving a trace of nostalgia.

Keeping the Comfort for Tomorrow

One of the joys of this Soft Vanilla Cake is that its flavors only deepen and improve over time. You can store the leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days, allowing the comforting flavors to meld.

If you want to keep it longer, feel free to refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. Just like cherished family stories, the memories and flavors become richer with each passing moment.

Lila’s Little Lessons

From my years of baking and sharing this Soft Vanilla Cake, I’ve gathered a few time-tested lessons that can help your journey in the kitchen:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It really does make a difference in texture when your butter and eggs are at room temperature, helping everything blend smoothly
Measure with Care: Accurate measurements especially for flour can determine the outcome of your cake. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for greater precision.
Taste as You Go: The process is just as important as the final product. Don’t hesitate to sneak a taste while mixing. It’s that added bit of love that will shine through.
Keep it Moist: If you want an extra moist cake, consider slathering a little buttermilk on the cake layers before frosting. It adds a delightful flavor and keeps things tender.
Relax and Enjoy the Process: Baking is an art and should be approached calmly. It’s about remembering the moments spent with family and the love infused in every bite.

Family Twists on Soft Vanilla Cake

In our family, we sometimes jazz up the Soft Vanilla Cake with various toppings depending on the season. For a touch of summer, fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries become companions on the plate, accentuating the flavor and vibrant colors. In the cooler months, we love adding a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.

Some regional variations might swap in a touch of bourbon or a hint of citrus zest to brighten it up. Remember, this recipe embraces creativity and personalization. Your touch can turn this delightful dish into something truly unique while keeping its essence intact.

FAQs About Soft Vanilla Cake

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked in advance and stored, which, truthfully, allows the flavors to settle and deepen, making it taste even better the next day.

How do I know when my cake is done?

A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center. If it has batter sticking to it, give it a few more minutes. Remember, every oven is different.

Can I freeze the Soft Vanilla Cake?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. You can enjoy this Southern comfort even months later.

How do I store the frosting?

Keep any leftover buttercream frosting in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir bring it back to frosting consistency before using it again.

Can I use a different flavor extract?

Certainly! Almond extract adds a delightful twist, while citrus extracts like lemon or orange bring bright notes to this traditional cake.

A Final Thought

Soft Vanilla Cake encapsulates the essence of home, comfort, and treasured family traditions. It is about gathering around the table, sharing slices filled with memories, and creating new moments to cherish. As you experience this cake, remember that it’s not just about indulging your taste buds; it’s about celebrating family ties, carrying forward traditions, and rekindling nostalgic memories through the art of slow baking.

May your kitchen always be filled with love, laughter, and the enticing aroma of freshly baked Soft Vanilla Cake. Until the next Sunday supper, remember that the smiles around your table are just as important as the meal shared.

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Lila Morrison

Hi, I’m Lila! Southern home cook raised in Mississippi, now near Nashville. I share cozy, slow-cooked meals inspired by my grandma’s kitchen simple, soulful, and full of love.

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