Make the best vanilla cake recipe from scratch for an impressive yet easy dessert. Bake it in a cast iron skillet or a regular cake pan. Both are wonderful!
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Sometimes it’s good to try something new. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering…even the simplest new thing can make you feel accomplished. I’ve always wanted a cast iron skillet, but never bought one because I wasn’t sure exactly what to buy. Vintage or new? What brand? Anyway, the decision was taken out of my hands when a friend bought me my very own skillet. And you know what? I love it!
It’s made by Lodge and measures 10.25 inches. It’s new and came preseasoned. I followed the directions from Lodge and seasoned it with oil before I used it the first time. My first try was making a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie but more on that at the end of the post. Today I’m sharing the best vanilla cake recipe that is moist and delicious. It’s actually the sort of cake that could be eaten for breakfast, a snack or dessert. It pairs perfectly with any kind of fruit, ice cream or other toppings.
The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe from Scratch!
This is a very straight-forward, simple recipe that uses basic pantry ingredients. At any given time, you should be able to whip up this cake. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can us any 10 inch round pan (if the sides are tall enough) or a 9 x 9 inch square cake pan.
The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe from Scratch
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening I used Crisco
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla sugar
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a standing mixer, or large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, beat the shortening and milk for 3 minutes.
- While still mixing, add the vanilla sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the shortening/milk mixture in three batches. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl very well.
- Separate the yolks from the whites of 4 eggs. Add the egg whites to the batter and beat until mixed. Don't overmix.
- Spray a 10-inch cast iron skillet with Baker's Joy OR coat well with shortening and dust with flour.
- Pour batter into prepared skillet.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cake is done when a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- If not using vanilla sugar, add 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste with the regular sugar.
Vanilla Cake Tips
- Vanilla sugar is easy to make. Click {HERE} if you want to DIY your own version. Or buy it {HERE.}
- This vanilla cake can double as a shortcake. After a few days it does dry out a bit (if there’s any left!) If that happens, top it with fruit and whipped cream, milk, or half and half. It’s delicious!
- You don’t have to use vanilla sugar. Just add two teaspoons of good quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste along with the sugar when you are making the cake.
I will be sharing more skillet recipes as I find them so stay tuned. This particular cast iron skillet is very reasonably priced so if you don’t have one, I hope you treat yourself to an early Valentine’s present!
Thank you for stopping by and spending part of your day with me. Now get in that kitchen and bake a cake!
