Perfect 10-Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe

A 10-inch vanilla cake recipe typically involves preparing a light, fluffy cake with a tender crumb. It begins by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then adding eggs one at a time, incorporating vanilla extract for flavor.

Dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt are sifted and added alternately with milk to the butter mixture, ensuring a smooth batter.

Finally, the batter is poured into greased and floured 10-inch round cake pans and baked at a moderate temperature until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once cooled, the cakes can be layered and frosted with vanilla buttercream for a classic and delicious dessert suitable for any occasion.

How To Prepare A 10-inch Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Yield: 12 servings

Equipment Needed:

• 10-inch round cake pans (at least 2)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Baking Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottoms and sides of two 10-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix.

6. Divide and Bake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

7. Bake the Cakes:

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cakes:

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment paper.

9. Frosting and Assembly:

Once completely cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite vanilla or buttercream. You can layer the cakes with fruit preserves or custard for added flavor.

10. Serving:

Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy!

Variations And Customizations

Once you’ve mastered the basic vanilla cake recipe, you can get creative with variations and customizations:

1. Layered Cake: Stack the two cake layers with a generous filling of fruit preserves, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache between them for added flavor and texture.

2. Cupcakes: Use the same batter to make vanilla cupcakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly (usually around 18-20 minutes), and top with your favorite frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

3. Flavor Additions: For a twist on classic vanilla, add different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to the batter.

4. Decorations: Decorate the cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.

Can I use a cake pan of a different size for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a cake pan of a different size, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. The cake will be thicker for an 8-inch or 9-inch pan and may require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking.

For a 12-inch pan, the cake will be thinner and may bake faster, so check for doneness around 25 minutes.

How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

To make this gluten-free vanilla cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1 teaspoon to help with the texture. The cake may have a slightly different texture from the original recipe.

How Do I Prevent The Cake From Sticking To The Pan?

To prevent the cake from sticking, thoroughly grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Then, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper as well. This ensures the cake is released quickly from the pan.

Conclusion

A 10-inch vanilla cake is enjoyable to bake and will surely please any palate. Its fluffy texture and traditional vanilla flavor make it ideal for gatherings or just enjoying a handmade dessert.

This vanilla cake recipe will make you smile every time you bite into a slice, whether you serve it with fresh berries, creamy frosting, or just by itself.

Give yourself and your loved ones a slice of homemade sweetness and embrace the joy of baking!