Basic Vanilla Cake

By cnash

This moist single-layer vanilla cake has a delicate texture and delectable crumb, but it's the old-fashioned browned-butter glaze that gives it a nutty flavor. Use this Basic Vanilla Cake batter for Cupcakes Americana, Old-Fashioned Jam Cake, and Crunchy Coffee Cake as well.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup(s) sifted cake flour
• 1.5 teaspoon(s) baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup(s) whole milk

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8-inch cake pan with butter and dust with all-purpose flour. Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Beat in the butter one heaping 1/4 teaspoonful at a time, using an electric mixer set on low speed, until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Beat in the sugar a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture resembles fine damp sand. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and milk, and beat on medium-high, just until blended. Do not overbeat.

Pour into the prepared pan and bake until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean — 30 to 35 minutes. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Un-mold and cool completely. Ice with Browned-Butter Glaze.