Birthday Cake Recipe (Resepi Kek Hari Jadi)

Vanilla Cake Recipe (Resepi Kek Vanilla)

Welcome to CakeRush, where we believe that baking should be a joyous experience! Today, we're bringing you a recipe that celebrates the classic, the timeless, the one and only - vanilla cake! This fluffy, moist, and utterly scrumptious creation is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. So, don your apron and let's dive into this easy-peasy vanilla cake recipe that'll have you basking in cakey bliss in no time!

• Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

• Diet: Vegetarian

• Cuisine: Dessert

• Category: Confectionary

• Servings: 12 slices

Nutrition (per 1 slice):

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 183 mg

• Allergens: Nuts, Gluten

While vanilla as a flavor has ancient origins, vanilla cakes, as we know them today, became more widely popular in the 19th century with the widespread availability of vanilla extract. Prior to this, vanilla was a rare and expensive spice, primarily used by royalty and the elite. With advances in vanilla cultivation and extraction methods, vanilla became more accessible, leading to the proliferation of vanilla-flavored treats, including cakes, in households around the world. This historical shift allowed vanilla cakes to become a beloved and common dessert enjoyed by people of various social backgrounds.

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 2-4 tbsp whole milk

• A pinch of salt (optional)

Ah, vanilla cakes, they're like a comforting embrace from the kitchen. Picture this: golden layers of cake, kissed with the gentle essence of vanilla, rising and baking to perfection. The aroma that fills the air is like a warm, sweet hug that beckons you closer.

Each slice holds a promise of simple, unadulterated joy. The soft crumb, tender and inviting, whispers tales of tradition and home. It's a canvas, waiting for your personal touch, whether that be a generous swirl of frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Vanilla, with its timeless charm, is a flavour that transcends generations. It's the taste of childhood birthdays, cozy gatherings, and stolen moments of sweetness on a quiet afternoon. Its familiarity is a source of comfort, a reliable friend in the realm of flavours.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring an even coating.

Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter later on. 

Did you know?

Vanilla is a flavouring derived from the orchid genus Vanilla. It's extracted from the pods of specific species within this genus, primarily Vanilla planifolia. Each vanilla pod is hand-pollinated, making the process of cultivating vanilla beans quite labour-intensive.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding them in three parts and the milk in two parts. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops for an even bake. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun fact!

Vanilla has a rich history that dates back to ancient Mesoamerica. The Aztecs are credited with being the first to cultivate and use vanilla. They flavored their famous chocolate-based drinks with vanilla, considering it a prized ingredient. It wasn't until the 16th century that vanilla was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers.

Whip Up the Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if desired). Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frost and Decorate

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering it evenly.

Enjoy!

Slice and serve your gorgeous vanilla cake, and revel in the delightful simplicity of this classic treat.

Conclusion

There you have it - a simple, foolproof recipe for a vanilla cake that's bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let the aroma of vanilla fill your kitchen and the taste of this fluffy delight fill your senses. Happy baking, and may your days be filled with sweet, cakey joy!