Simple Layer Cakes

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of pure delight with this incredible Simple Layer Cakes recipe. Imagine creating a stunning dessert that combines the classic flavors of vanilla and chocolate in one spectacular cake.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, this layer cake will become your new go-to dessert. Moreover, the recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.

Ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or those moments when you need a slice of pure happiness, this cake promises to impress. Ready to embark on a delicious baking journey? Let's dive into this utterly irresistible layer cake recipe.

Simple Layer Cakes: A Tale of Two Flavors

This isn't just any cake it's a culinary masterpiece that brings together the best of vanilla and chocolate in one show-stopping dessert. Furthermore, the recipe provides step-by-step instructions to ensure baking success every single time.

Not just a simple dessert, this layer cake is a celebration of flavors and textures. Consequently, each slice promises a perfect balance of moist cake and creamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Perfect Layer Cakes:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture.
2. Don't Overmix: Stir cake batters just until ingredients are combined to keep cakes tender.
3. Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect baking.
4. Cool Completely: Let cakes cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting.
5. Level Your Layers: Trim cake tops for a professional-looking finish.

Simple Layer Cakes Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 25-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12-16
• Equipment: Two 9-inch cake pans, electric mixer, wire racks

Transform your baking skills with this foolproof two-flavor layer cake recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Basic Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

For the Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in hot coffee or water (batter will be thin).
5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add cream or milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add food coloring if desired and mix until fully incorporated.

To Assemble:

1. Level the tops of the cooled cake layers if needed.
2. Place one layer on a cake plate or serving platter.
3. Spread about 1 cup of frosting over the top.
4. Place the second layer on top.
5. Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting.
6. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, additional frosting, or other decorations.

Ready to Indulge!

These Simple Layer Cakes are more than a dessert they're a celebration of flavor, texture, and baking joy. Each slice promises a perfect moment of pure deliciousness.

Storage and Serving Tips:

• Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Bring to room temperature before serving
• Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months

Prepare to become the ultimate home baker with this absolutely irresistible Simple Layer Cakes recipe!

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