Now, pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma of this cake baking is heavenly; it fills your kitchen and makes your heart do a little happy dance! Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This way, we’ll ensure they maintain their shape and texture.
While the cakes cool, let’s whip up that dreamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and a splash of milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency. It should be creamy and spreadable—perfect for layering between your cake! Once the cakes are completely cool, you can start frosting. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then gently place the second layer on top, finishing off with a luscious layer on the top and sides.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. First, I tried using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, and while it yielded a slightly softer crumb, I found that good old all-purpose flour gives me reliability and a great texture. Second, I played with the sugar ratios, and I can confidently tell you that sticking to the original sweet balance really brings the cake to life. Finally, I discovered that letting the cakes sit at room temperature before frosting yields a more stable cake that slices beautifully.
One space where I always pay extra attention is the mixing of the batter. Mixing until just combined helps keep the cake light and fluffy. I’ve had a few instances where I got a bit carried away with my mixing and ended up with a denser cake than I intended. So, just a gentle stir is key!
Lastly, always ensure your butter is room temperature for the frosting. I learned this the hard way when my frosting turned out lumpy because the butter was too cold. Trust me, you want that glorious, creamy texture that only comes from properly softened butter!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
First off, be careful not to open the oven door too soon! I vividly remember my first few attempts when I couldn’t resist the urge to peek at my cake. Each time I opened the door prematurely, I ended up with a collapsed center, which is never pleasant. Now, I recommend letting the aroma do the talking and keeping that door shut until the timer goes off. (See the next page below to continue…)