High Altitude Vanilla Cake Recipe
he High Altitude Vanilla Cake recipe adjusts ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy texture at elevated elevations. By modifying sugar and liquid ratios, this versatile cake remains flavorful and moist. Ideal for any celebration, it proves that delicious baking is possible, no matter the altitude!
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup whole milk at room temperature
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon baking powder adjusted for high altitude
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt or ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
- ¼ vanilla bean seeds scraped
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large 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 mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
Making the Frosting:
- Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar and Salt: Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, the vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your delicious high-altitude vanilla cake!
Notes
For even better results, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour is specifically designed for delicate cakes and can help create a lighter texture.