Deliciously Wholesome: A Collection of Nutritious and Tasty Recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1/2 cup of milk

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract.
  5. Mix in the sour cream, then gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized bowl for combining and whisking the dry ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer - Used to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, and to mix the other ingredients thoroughly.
  • Spatula - For smoothing the batter in the baking pan.
  • Baking Pan - A greased pan for baking the cake.
  • Toothpick - To test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
  • Wire Rack - For cooling the cake after baking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Try using a different extract flavor, such as almond or lemon, instead of pure vanilla extract.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a blend of spices like pumpkin spice for a warm and aromatic twist.
  • Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Experiment with different fruit additions, such as diced apples, blueberries, or raspberries.
  • Make it vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs and using dairy-free alternatives for butter, sour cream, and milk.
  • Create a citrus-infused cake by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter.
  • For a festive touch, decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this simple and delightful recipe that's perfect for any baking enthusiast! This recipe will guide you step-by-step in creating a wonderfully moist and delicious cake using basic pantry ingredients. You can expect clear, concise instructions that even a beginner can follow with ease. From prepping your ingredients to the joy of tasting your homemade cake, this process will be a breeze. The best part? It doesn't require any fancy equipment or ingredients. Just straightforward, delicious baking. By the end, you'll have a perfectly golden, moist cake that's a joy to share with friends and family, or to simply indulge in by yourself. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if desired.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but keep in mind that it may affect the overall saltiness of the cake slightly.
  3. Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar or a combination of brown and granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
  4. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of plain yogurt for the sour cream in this recipe.
  5. Can I add additional flavors or mix-ins? Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits to the batter before baking.
  6. How can I store the cake? Once cooled, you can store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the cake batter.
  • Whisk - Used to combine dry ingredients and remove lumps.
  • Spatula - For smoothing the batter in the baking pan.
  • Baking pan - The pan in which the cake will be baked.
  • Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake.
  • Wire rack - A cooling rack for the cake after it is baked.

Origin stories

The simple yet satisfying concoction that we now recognize as a classic vanilla cake has roots that stretch back to ancient times. The earliest form of cake was a basic bread sweetened with honey, created by the Egyptians, and it's been evolving ever since. It wasn't until the middle ages, with the introduction of more refined sugar, when cakes began to resemble the sweet and fluffy delight we know today. Interestingly, the vanilla flavor, which is now a staple in baking, comes from the vanilla orchid plant native to Mexico. The Totonacs of Mexico’s east coast were the first to cultivate this exotic plant, and they introduced it to the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century. Despite its Mexican origins, vanilla quickly became beloved worldwide, especially in Europe, where it was often used in royal desserts. Today, vanilla cake is a classic, cherished for its versatility and its status as a canvas for a myriad of flavour combinations and creative decorations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.