Description
This Classic Heavenly Cake is a moist, fluffy, and tender treat perfect for any celebration. Featuring a smooth vanilla-flavored cake layered with creamy, rich buttercream frosting, this recipe offers a timeless dessert experience that can be customized with optional food coloring for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (Provides structure for the cake.)
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar (Sweetens the cake and contributes to moistness.)
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder (Leavening agent for proper rise.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened (Adds richness and moisture.)
- 3 large Eggs (Binding agent that adds structure.)
- 1 cup Whole milk (Adds moisture and tenderness.)
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla flavoring (Enhances overall flavor.)
Frosting
- 4 cups Powdered sugar (Essential for creamy frosting.)
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (Provides rich flavor.)
- 2-4 tablespoons Milk (For desired frosting consistency.)
- Optional: Food coloring (To add color to frosting.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until well mixed to ensure even distribution.
- Add softened butter: Incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the whole milk and vanilla flavoring. Mix until fully combined, forming the wet batter base.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed. Continue until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Divide batter and smooth: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cakes are done.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until combined.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add milk in small increments to achieve desired consistency and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired to customize appearance.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
- Add the second layer and frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the first and apply frosting evenly on top and around the sides for a smooth finish.
- Decorate and serve: Decorate the cake as desired with additional decorations or piping, then serve for your celebration.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding liquids to avoid a dense cake.
- If food coloring is used, add it gradually to avoid overly vibrant colors.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness before removing the cakes from the oven.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted with milk to be thicker or thinner depending on preference.
