how to bake the perfect vanilla cake

 By Sara Zalagh

Vanilla cake has been a favorite dessert, particularly for weddings, and has roots in ancient civilization, with early versions appearing in Egypt and Greece. Today, there are so many variations and recipes available. If you love buttercream frosting like me, then you're going to love this! Here's a recipe from Lori Lange, also known as Recipe Girl, that I love and would like to share with you.

Cake: 

One 15.25 oz. box white cake mix 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white granulated sugar

4 large white eggs 

2 tablespoons of vegatable oil

1 cup of sour cream

1 1/3 cups of water

3/4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting:

4 cups powered sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature

3 to 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream 

Tools: 

Large mixing bowl

Measuring cup

Mixing spoon

Electric Mixer (if possible)

Three 8 in. round baking pans

Parchment paper

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Total: 55 minutes 

Servings: 14 servings 

Directions: 

Bake the Cake:

Step 1: Gather ingredients. 

Step 2:  Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round pans. 8-inch pans are essential as the layers will be thicker. It's easiest to get the cake out of the pans if you line them with rounds of parchment paper, too.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt. Add the remaining ingredients and beat with a hand mixer for 2 minutes, or until well blended.

Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Be sure to fill them ¾ to 1 inch below the top of the pan. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Watch closely - check after 35 minutes and then every 5 minutes until the test is complete. The time will vary based on the pans you choose to use.  Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.

Add the Frosting:

Step 1: In a large bowl, with a hand or stand mixer, cream together the sugar and butter on low speed. Mix until well blended. Increase the speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and 3 tablespoons of cream, and continue to beat on medium speed for an additional minute. Add more cream if necessary to achieve the desired spreading or piping consistency.

Step 2: You may find that the layers are delicate when handling and frosting. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate.  Spoon a dollop of the frosting on the first layer and spread to cover.  Place the second layer of cake on the first. Spread another thin layer of frosting on the second layer. Add the third layer of cake.  Spread frosting on the top and then down the sides of the cake to cover.  You should have enough frosting left over to add some decorations. Scoop the remaining frosting into a piping bag and pipe decoratively onto the cake, as desired.  

One Final Step: Cut a piece and enjoy! It will taste so good!

Recipe and idea retrieved from: https://www.recipegirl.com/white-wedding-cake/