Basic Vanilla Cake

Basic Vanilla Cake is a recipe to have for a birthday cake, another special occasion, or even if you simply have a hankering for a special treat.

Basic Vanilla Cake

Makes two 8-inch cakes or three 6-inch cakes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 6 large egg whites

Place the butter, sugar, oil, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, work up to medium-high speed to whip until light and fluffy.

Scrape down the butter mixture to be sure everything is incorporated.

In a separate container, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Measure the buttermilk and set aside.

Turn the mixer on low and pour a cup of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. After it’s mixed in, pour half of the buttermilk in. Alternate again until all of the dry ingredients and buttermilk are mixed in. Turn off the mixer so your batter doesn’t overmix.

In a separate, clean mixing bowl, use the whisk attachment to mix the egg whites until the reach stiff peaks.

Use a spatula to fold (gently stir so the air stays in the eggs) the egg whites with the batter. Fold until they are completely mixed together.

Spray two 8-inch or three 6-inch round pans with non-stick baking spray. Another option is to coat with butter and then sprinkle flour into each to coat and then tap out any excess flour.

If desired, wet two baking strips and secure them to the outsides of the pans. These will help the outside edges of the cake not to over bake which will make them moister and more tender. This isn’t necessary, just a nice baking tip.