French Vanilla Cake with French Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cake: * 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour * 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar * 3 teaspoons baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened * 2 large eggs * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

For the Frosting: * 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened * 3 cups (360g) confectioners' sugar * 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

For the Cake: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, eggs, and vanilla. 4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 6. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting: 1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until stiff peaks form.

To Assemble: 1. Place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread with half of the frosting. 2. Top with the second cake layer and spread with the remaining frosting.

Nutritional Information:

One serving (1/8 of the cake) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g (23% DV)
• Cholesterol: 70mg (23% DV)
• Sodium: 250mg (10% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (15% DV)
• Protein: 5g (10% DV)

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and moist vanilla cake
• Rich and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting
• Yellow cake color that evokes a sense of warmth and coziness

User Comments:

• "This cake is absolutely delicious! The vanilla flavors are perfect and the frosting is so light and fluffy."
• "I loved this cake for my birthday party. It was a huge hit with my guests."
• "The yellow color is so cheerful and makes the cake look so festive."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
• To ensure even baking, rotate the cake pans halfway through the cooking time.
• Be careful not to overmix the frosting, as this can make it runny.
• If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to the cake, you can fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter.