Are you ready to elevate your dessert game? One of my favorite creations is a sourdough vanilla cake recipe. This cake combines the tangy richness of sourdough with the sweet warmth of vanilla.
It’s a delightful twist on traditional cake recipes. The sourdough starter adds moisture and depth, elevating the flavor to new heights.
I find the baking process incredibly satisfying, and the aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration.
I can’t wait to share the details of this recipe with you. Let’s dive into the steps and make a cake that everyone will love!
What Is Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe Taste Like?
Sourdough vanilla cake recipe offers a unique and delightful taste experience. The cake is moist and fluffy, featuring a subtle tang from the sourdough that beautifully balances the sweetness of the vanilla.
This combination creates a rich, layered flavor sweet yet slightly tart that keeps each bite interesting. The aromatic notes of vanilla enhance the overall profile, making it comforting and inviting.
The cake’s texture is light and airy, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
How To Prepare Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Yield: 8 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Vanilla Cake
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
How To make Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe
Making the Sourdough Vanilla Cake
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and your active sourdough starter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
1. Beat the Butter: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy.
3. Incorporate Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk), mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
4. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Special Note
Using an active sourdough starter gives this cake a wonderful depth of flavor. If you don’t have a starter on hand, you can substitute it with buttermilk for a similar tangy effect.
Delicious Variations
1. Chocolate Sourdough Cake
How to Make: Add 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. This will give you a rich chocolate flavor while maintaining the moist texture. You can also fold in chocolate chips for an extra treat!
2. Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Cake
➤ How to Make: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter. The lemon adds a refreshing brightness, while the blueberries provide a sweet burst.
3. Almond Joy Sourdough Cake
➤ How to Make: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of chopped almonds. This variation gives a delightful tropical twist reminiscent of the famous candy bar.
4. Carrot Sourdough Cake
➤ How to Make: Stir in 1 cup of grated carrots, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg into the batter. This creates a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for springtime gatherings.
5. Spiced Pumpkin Sourdough Cake
➤ How to Make: Substitute 1/2 cup of the buttermilk with 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This variation is perfect for fall and adds a lovely warm flavor.
Expert Tips To Your Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe
1. Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor and texture. Feed it a few hours before baking if needed.
2. Let your butter, eggs, and buttermilk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake.
3. Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
4. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended bake time.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely on a rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
Is Best Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe Comfort Food?
Sourdough vanilla cake recipe is definitely a top comfort food! Its soft, moist texture and sweet vanilla flavor create a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee or tea can be incredibly soothing, making it perfect for both celebrations and quiet moments at home. It’s that familiar treat that just feels like a hug!
How To Freeze Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe?
To freeze your sourdough vanilla cake recipe, first ensure it cools completely on a wire rack. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
Label it with the date and type of cake, and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. This method keeps the cake moist and delicious for your future cravings!
Conclusion
The sourdough vanilla cake recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that transforms a classic dessert into a memorable treat.
The tanginess of the sourdough perfectly complements the sweetness of vanilla, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.
It’s an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy family gathering. I love how each bite brings a unique taste experience, making it a standout on any dessert table.
I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the wonderful process of baking. You’ll create not just a cake, but a delicious memory that everyone will cherish. Happy baking!
More Delicious Vanilla Cake Recipes
How to Make Vanilla Bourbon Cake Recipe
Vanilla Cake with Strawberry – A Delightful Treat
Cherry Vanilla Cake – A Deliciously Fruity
Easy Make French Vanilla Cake Mix Recipe
Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- electric mixer,
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans,
- parchment paper,
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Vanilla Cake
- 1 cup active sourdough starter fed and bubbly
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk adjust for consistency
Instructions
Making the Sourdough Vanilla Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and your active sourdough starter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Making the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the Butter: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed and beat until fluffy.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk), mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.