One-Bowl Vanilla Buttermilk Cake
User Reviews
5
One-Bowl Vanilla Buttermilk Cake
Description
This vanilla buttermilk cake features a blend of leavening agents and sugar combined with wet ingredients including whole buttermilk and hot water to yield a smooth, thin batter. The batter’s thinness assists with a tender crumb after baking at 350°F for around 30-40 minutes until fully cooked. The buttermilk provides mild acidity which helps activiate baking soda and tenderizes the crumb. The cake is versatile in pan shape and can be either square, round, or even an 8 or 9-inch pan.
The frosting is a classic buttercream combining softened salted butter with buttermilk (or cream), vanilla extract, and sifted powdered sugar. Beating on medium-high then medium-low speed creates a smooth, creamy texture. Sprinkles can be added for optional decoration. The frosting is spread only on the top, unless doubled for side coverage.
This cake suits birthdays or casual celebrations. It pairs well with a variety of fillings or frostings and holds well once fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting. The cake batter has a mild vanilla flavor with a rich, moist crumb texture complimented by the richness of the frosting.
Whole buttermilk is recommended for best flavor, but a homemade substitute can be made by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.The frosting amount covers the top of an 8- or 9-inch cake; double the recipe if frosting sides or larger cakes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk well shaken, whole
- ½ cup water hot
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
FOR THE VANILLA FROSTING (enough for the top of one 8-inch or 9-inch cake)
- ¾ cup butter softened at room temperature, salted, 1 ½ sticks
- 1 ½ tablespoons buttermilk or heavy cream, whole
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Sprinkles optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square or round cake pan or line with parchment. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, oil, and buttermilk. Whisk to combine.
- Add the hot water and whisk again until smooth. Add the vanilla extract; whisk to combine. At this point you should have a very thin, smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any big air bubbles. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times will vary depending on your oven and on the pan that you use.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
FOR THE FROSTING
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, buttermilk (or cream), and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Reduce the speed to medium-low, and gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat until smooth, about 4 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 4 more minutes.
- Spread the frosting on the cooled cake. Garnish with sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- Use whole buttermilk for best moisture and flavor; or make a substitute using milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
- This frosting recipe covers only the top of an 8- or 9-inch cake; double quantities for full coverage or larger cakes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 400 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice | |
| Calories | 400kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 334mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 83mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 43g | 86% |
| Vitamin A | 529IU | 11% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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