Baking a cake is often seen as a daunting task, especially when you want to make it from scratch. However, with the right recipe and guidance, even a novice home cook can whip up a delicious, tender vanilla cake that’s perfect for any occasion. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to make a single-layer 6-inch vanilla cake with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting. This recipe is straightforward, easy to follow, and perfect for small gatherings or intimate celebrations.
Why Choose a 6-Inch Cake?
A 6-inch cake is ideal for small gatherings, intimate celebrations, or just a little treat for you and your loved ones. It serves about 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for occasions where you don’t need a large cake. Plus, a smaller cake is easier and quicker to make, which means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Below is a table with both U.S. and metric measurements to make it easier for you to follow, no matter which system you prefer.
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 125 grams |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 150 grams |
| Baking powder | 1½ teaspoons | 6 grams |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | 1.25 grams |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) | 115 grams |
| Large egg | 1 | 1 |
| Whole milk | ½ cup | 120 milliliters |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1½ teaspoons | 7.5 milliliters |
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) | 115 grams |
| Powdered sugar | 1½ cups | 190 grams |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 5 milliliters |
| Heavy cream or milk | 1-2 tablespoons | 15-30 milliliters |
| Salt | A pinch | A pinch |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving, assuming the cake is divided into 6 slices:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Protein | 3g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when your cake is ready to bake, which is crucial for even cooking.
Next, prepare your 6-inch round cake pan. Grease the pan with a thin layer of butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake once it’s baked, preventing it from sticking to the pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making the cake lighter and fluffier. It also ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for even rising.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Start at a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl, then increase to medium-high. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar mixture is well-creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this stage, but that’s okay—this will smooth out once the flour is added.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients (flour mixture), mixing until just combined after each addition. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so be sure to mix only until everything is incorporated.
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared 6-inch cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring the batter is evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness at around 25 minutes. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
8. Cool the Cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let the cake cool entirely before frosting it; otherwise, the buttercream will melt.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
While your cake is cooling, you can start preparing the vanilla buttercream frosting. This frosting is rich, creamy, and pairs perfectly with the vanilla cake.
1. Beat the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be at room temperature, soft but not melted.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the sugar is incorporated.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream
Once all the powdered sugar is mixed in, add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream or milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. Taste and Adjust
Give the frosting a taste. If you find it too sweet, you can add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat the frosting for an additional minute to ensure everything is well mixed.
Frosting the Cake
Now that your cake is cooled and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble and frost your cake.
1. Prepare the Cake for Frosting
If your cake has domed slightly on top, you can use a serrated knife to level it off. This will make it easier to frost and create a more professional-looking cake.
2. Apply a Crumb Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of frosting to the cake. This is called the crumb coat, and it helps to seal in any loose crumbs, creating a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. Once the crumb coat is applied, place the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
3. Frost the Cake
After the crumb coat has set, apply the remaining frosting to the cake. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. For a smooth finish, dip the spatula in hot water, shake off the excess, and then gently smooth out the frosting.
4. Decorate as Desired
You can leave the cake as is, or you can decorate it with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or edible flowers. Since this is a simple vanilla cake, it pairs well with a variety of toppings.
Serving the Cake
Once your cake is frosted and decorated, it’s ready to serve. A 6-inch cake typically serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for a small gathering or an intimate dessert. Slice the cake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Before serving refrigerated cake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the frosting.
For longer storage, the cake can also be frozen. Wrap the frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Troubles
hooting Common Issues
1. Cake Sinking in the Middle
If your cake sinks in the middle, it might be due to overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too early, or the oven temperature being too low. Make sure to follow the recipe closely, and avoid opening the oven door until the cake is almost done.
2. Dry or Crumbly Cake
A dry cake can result from overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully, and check the cake for doneness at the earliest suggested time.
3. Frosting Too Sweet
If the frosting is too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt or a bit more butter. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar, but keep in mind this will change the consistency.
4. Lumpy Frosting
To avoid lumpy frosting, ensure your butter is fully softened before beating, and sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and milk helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe is for a classic vanilla cake, feel free to experiment by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even a swirl of jam in the batter for a different flavor.
- Practice Patience: Letting the cake cool completely before frosting and applying a crumb coat are steps that are often rushed, but they make a big difference in the final appearance of the cake.
Final Thoughts
Baking a cake from scratch can be a deeply satisfying experience, especially when the result is as delightful as this 6-inch vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its simplicity, paired with the rich and creamy buttercream, creates a cake that’s perfect for any occasion, big or small. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the process of baking this delicious cake. Happy baking!
