Vanilla Cake Recipe: Based on NeemTime research
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour – 455 calories
1 cup granulated sugar – 770 calories
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – 800 calories
2 large eggs – 140 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 12 calories
1/2 cup whole milk – 75 calories
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – negligible calories
1/4 teaspoon salt – negligible calories
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) – 800 calories
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – 600 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 12 calories
1-2 tablespoons whole milk (to reach desired consistency) – 15-30 calories
Total Calories for the Entire Recipe:
Total Calories for 4 servings = 3,882 calories
Calories per serving (1/4 of the total) = 970 calories
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
(No calories added in this step.)
Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease and flour a round 8-inch cake pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent sticking.
(No calories added here.)
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
(800 calories from butter, 770 calories from sugar)
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the Eggs: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
(140 calories from eggs)
Add the Vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
(12 calories from vanilla extract)
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
(455 calories from flour) (Negligible calories from baking powder and salt)
5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add Dry Ingredients Alternately with Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk. Start with the dry ingredients, mix until incorporated, and then add half the milk. Repeat the process, mixing until smooth after each addition.
(75 calories from milk)
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the Batter into the Pan: Once the batter is smooth and well-mixed, pour it into the prepared cake pan.
(No additional calories here.)
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
(No calories added during this step.)
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
(No calories added here.)
7. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
Cream the Butter for Frosting: While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. Beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) until smooth and creamy.
(800 calories from butter)
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and smooth.
(600 calories from powdered sugar)
Add Vanilla and Milk: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of whole milk to achieve the desired consistency for the frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
(12 calories from vanilla extract, 15-30 calories from milk)
8. Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula.
(No additional calories for this step, as frosting ingredients were already accounted for.)
9. Serve the Cake
Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into 4 portions and serve. Enjoy the soft, moist vanilla cake with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting!
(No calories added here.)
Total Calories Per Serving:
Total Calories for 4 servings = 3,882 calories
Calories per serving (1/4 of the total) = 970 calories
This Vanilla Cake recipe is a classic and comforting treat, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence. The cake is light and fluffy, and the buttercream frosting is smooth and rich, making for a delightful dessert. Enjoy!