Need a Great Vanilla/White/Yellow Cake Recipe

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants seeking and sharing recipes for a vanilla, white, or yellow cake suitable for a two-tier cake, particularly for a baby shower. Various personal experiences and suggestions regarding cake preparation and decoration techniques are also discussed.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a from-scratch vanilla cake recipe that can support fondant decoration for a baby shower cake.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making a two-layer cake, noting it didn't turn out as expected but was met with humor.
  • One participant mentions using a boxed cake mix with added almond flavoring and freezing the cakes to retain moisture, indicating success with this method.
  • Another participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes their desire to create a cake from scratch for a friend’s baby shower, despite acknowledging the boxed mix method.
  • One participant recalls a moist orange cake recipe that worked well for decorating, although it does not meet the vanilla request.
  • Another participant shares a specific recipe for a cake called "1-2-3-4 Cake," detailing ingredients and baking instructions.
  • A participant mentions a tip from a professional cake decorator about freezing cakes before decorating to improve stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to cake preparation, with some participants favoring from-scratch recipes while others share experiences with boxed mixes. No clear consensus emerges on a single recommended recipe.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal baking experiences and preferences, highlighting a mix of traditional and modern approaches to cake making.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and home bakers looking for cake recipes and tips for decorating cakes, particularly for special occasions like baby showers.

AnnieBee
AnnieBee
Gold Member
Messages
1,341
Hey Everyone,

I need a great from scratch recipe for a vanilla type cake that will stand up to being baked as a 12" round (I have a baking core), 2 layer cake that will be fondant covered.

It will be the bottom layer of a 2 tier cake for a baby shower cake, and I would love a nice moist recipe. If you have a recipe for a 9" cake that is fine, I can adjust the amounts for my pan.

Thanks!
 
I don't have a recipe, but I just wanted to say again how great your cakes are! I made my first attempt at a 2 layer cake last night and it's not so pretty. Also, I hope my dad doesn't mind pink frosting and purple sugar sprinkles on his birthday cake cause thats all I had! LOL
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I'm sure he'll love it! :). Who doesn't love sprinkles?!
 
I used to do decorated cakes all the time. Instead of doing the cakes from scratch, I use Pillsbury plus cake mix, and add 1 tbl almond flavoring. I would also beat it for a little longer than called for. And of course the big trick to set the timer for less, so that you pull it out when it just got done. Then I'd flip them out, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them while they were still hot. Locks in all the moisture. Everyone loved the tastes of my cake, they never knew they came from a box. The icing was always homemade though.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
My friend is paying me to do this for a shower she is helping to host, so I really want it to be my best, and do something from scratch. Thanks for the tip though! It sounds a bit like the WASC cake.
 
My cake was good, it looked soooo sad when we cut it open. My dad just laughed at the pink frosting and purple sprinkles when I explained to him it was all I had in the house.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Bumping for a recipe! Please - someone out there must have a good one to share...
 
I think Betty Crocker makes a great one- sorry for the joke, couldn't resist. Can't help, I have never made a cake from scratch. Good luck!
 
I hava a really good recipe - somewhere!!! I can't find it. It's not vanilla, it's orange and it is SO good- I found it originally online - I'll search some more and post if I can find the same one. It was moist and sturdy enough for decorating. I made it for a baby shower cake last year. Usually I tend to make a pound cake recipe for decorated cakes.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Hey Linda, I'd love that recipe, but I still need a vanilla recipe - my friend requested that flavour (I had offered lemon). But please post that recipe!
 
I have a sweet tooth bug today and this thread has intensified it! I've been doing some searches for you (and me) - this one sounds pretty good and has good ratings too (ignore the ones from the people who can't seem to grasp how to cook...) http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sara-moulton/classic-white-cake-recipe/reviews/index.html
 
Here is the recipe I use - it's from Swans Down Cake Flour. I was hoping it was on their site, because I didn't want to type it all out!:D:chef: And it was!

1-2-3-4 Cake


Cook Time:
25 to 30 minutes

The Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups sugar
3 cups sifted Swans Down Cake Flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Baking Instructions:

Cream butter. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Add eggs one at a time to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with milk and flavorings, beating after each addition until smooth. Baking: Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch layer pans, using about 2-1/3 cups batter in each pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans and finish cooling on racks.

Alternate Baking Pans Amount of Batter Baking Time

Two 9-inch square pans 3-1/2 cups each 40-45 minutes

13X9-inch plus 5 cups about 40 minutes

9-inch layer or 1 dozen cupcakes remainder 25 to 30 minutes

4 dozen paper-lined muffin pans pans half filled about 25 minutes

Note: If layers or cupcakes cannot be baked all at the same time, remaining batter may be held in refrigerator.

In high altitude areas, reduce baking powder to 2-1/2 teaspoons, and sugar to 1-1/2 cups; increase salt to 1 teaspoon, vanilla to 2 teaspoons and milk to 1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons; substitute shortening for butter; bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
 
A hint a pro cake decorator (past host of mine) gave me was to freeze the cake and decorate it frozen. It stays together really well and puts up with scraping off mistakes.
Of course, maybe I am the only one who has mispelled something on a cake. LOL
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients for a great vanilla cake?

A great vanilla cake typically requires all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and milk. Using high-quality vanilla extract can significantly enhance the flavor of your cake.

How do I ensure my vanilla cake is moist?

To ensure your vanilla cake is moist, make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients, such as eggs and butter, can help create a lighter cake. You can also add a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.

Can I use a different type of flour for my vanilla cake?

Yes, you can use different types of flour, but it may alter the texture and flavor of your cake. For example, cake flour will yield a lighter and fluffier cake, while whole wheat flour will give it a denser texture. If you use alternative flours, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

What is the best way to frost a vanilla cake?

The best way to frost a vanilla cake is to ensure it is completely cooled before applying any frosting. A classic buttercream frosting pairs wonderfully with vanilla cake. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, and consider chilling the cake for a bit before applying a final layer of frosting for a polished look.

How can I make my vanilla cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your vanilla cake, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also incorporate additional flavorings such as almond extract, citrus zest, or even a splash of coffee to deepen the flavor profile. Adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can also provide an interesting twist.

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