Description
This classic New Year’s Cake is a moist, buttery, and tender layered cake perfect for celebrations. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s flavored with vanilla and baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your cake evenly.
- Prepare Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Mix in Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best emulsification and texture.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Once cooled, the cakes can be frosted with your favorite icing or enjoyed plain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: New Year cake, classic cake recipe, vanilla cake, layered cake, butter cake, celebration dessert
