I made a cake today for my husband’s birthday. He requested a vanilla cake with mocha frosting. Happens to be my favorite combination for a cake.
Here is the recipe for the cake. When it called for vanilla – I used – for the first time – drumroll, please! – my homemade vanilla!
https://thedeeperdessert.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/vodka-vanilla-beans-vanilla-extract/
Vanilla Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
I made layers instead of 9X13 pan as stated in recipe. If you choose layers watch your baking time- it will take less time.
Cooling Layers
Ready to Frost
Here is the Frosting recipe – I did increase butter to 1/2 cup (8 T) and added a drip of vanilla and strong coffee. I also use half & half in place of milk. AND cocoa powder.
Frosting:
6 tblsp of softened butter
3 c. powdered sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
4-6 tblsp of milk (I use ½ & ½)
Beat butter & sugar till light and fluffy – add cocoa powder
Add vanilla and coffee and beat thoroughly
Add 4 tsp of milk for thicker frosting – 6 tsp for thinner
Cake!
I am not a great cake decorator – never was – maybe someday. But my cakes are delicious and look homemade. I dusted this one with a tiny bit of cocoa powder and natural sugar.
Enjoy!
cate b
The Deeper Dessert 