Classic Vanilla Cake
Sometimes we just need a simple, vanilla cake to satisfy that inner child of ours!
My husband's absolute favorite cake is a plain vanilla cake with fluffy vanilla icing and he always requests this one for his birthday....because everyone around here gets to decide what flavor of cake they want for their birthday!
This vanilla cake is truly a classic. The layers won't bake up really high, so if you want a taller cake, you will need to double the recipe. I usually make three layers, but you can definitely use two instead. The frosting is thinner on the inside layers than on the outer layer. If you are a frosting lover, you may want to double the frosting recipe.
I frost this one with a simple buttercream made with butter and shortening. The sprinkles are optional, but don't they look so cute? :)
For the cake batter:
½ cup butter
½ cup oil
1 ½ cups sugar
5 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups flour (all purpose)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cup buttermilk
For the icing:
1 stick butter softened, NOT melted
2/3 cup shortening
6 cups powdered sugar
4 plus tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the cake:
Combine the butter, oil and sugar using a stand mixer.
Beat the mixture until it is creamy.
Add egg whites and beat well for about one minute.
Add vanilla and combine well.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt. If you do not have sifter, just use a whisk and stir the dry ingredients to get rid of the clumps.
Slowly add half of the flour mixture and half of the buttermilk and combine well.
Add the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk and mix for about one minute.
For the frosting:
Cream the butter and shortening using a stand mixer.
Beat this well until the butter has turned almost white.
Add the vanilla and begin adding the powdered sugar a little at the time.
Add the heavy cream a little at the time to get the consistency you like.
The amount of cream will vary according to the humidity.
Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of the cake.
Sprinkles are optional.