Vanilla Loaf Cake
A Vanilla Loaf Cake is a classic, moist, and tender cake infused with the rich, creamy essence of vanilla. Baked to perfection in a loaf pan, this simple yet delightful treat offers a comforting sweetness that's perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze.
Ingredients
For the Sponge:
- 200 g unsalted butter or baking spread softened
- 200 g caster sugar superfine sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g self-raising flour or plain flour with 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
For the Buttercream:
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
- 250-260 g icing sugar powdered sugar
- 1-4 tbsp milk or cream adjust for desired consistency
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
For Decoration (Optional):
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)—grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Sift the self-raising flour (or plain flour with baking powder) into the bowl and fold gently until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Buttercream:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste and mix well. If the buttercream is too thick, add milk or cream in a tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous amount of buttercream on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and spread the remaining buttercream over the sides of the cake. If desired, decorate with sprinkles.
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your homemade vanilla cake!
Video
Notes
For those looking to make this Vanilla Loaf Cake dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with margarine, use almond milk instead of whole milk, and replace the sour cream with dairy-free yoghurt. Just keep in mind that these changes might alter the texture and flavor slightly.