Name: Vanilla Bundt Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter (at room temperature); 3 cups granulated sugar; 6 whole eggs (at room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream; Powdered sugar (for garnish)

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There’s something simply magical about a perfectly baked Vanilla Bundt Cake. Its tender crumb, rich flavor, and elegant shape make it the star of any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. This Vanilla Bundt Cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, ensuring that you’ll want to return to this recipe time and time again. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special and how you can recreate it in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Vanilla Bundt Cake recipe stands the test of time, and for good reason. With a carefully balanced combination of ingredients, it creates a cake that is both moist and flavorful. The use of sour cream adds a delightful tang, keeping the cake moist for days. Plus, the generous amount of vanilla extract infuses every bite with rich flavor. This recipe has been tried and tested, ensuring that you will achieve perfect results every time.

What Goes In

To make this fantastic Vanilla Bundt Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
6 whole eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
Powdered sugar for garnish

Equipment & Tools

Before you get started, gather the following equipment and tools:

Bundt pan: This will give your cake its beautiful shape.
Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing the batter and a smaller bowl for dry ingredients.
Whisk: For combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cake once it’s out of the oven.

From Start to Finish: Vanilla Bundt Cake

Making a Vanilla Bundt Cake is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a flawless cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Grease and flour your Bundt pan generously. This step is crucial to ensure that your cake releases easily once baked.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature salted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, blending until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once the cake is fully cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Slice and serve this delightful Vanilla Bundt Cake to your friends and family!

International Equivalents

If you’re outside the United States, here are some international equivalents for the ingredients:

1 cup of butter = 227 grams
1 cup of granulated sugar = 200 grams
1 cup of all-purpose flour = 120 grams
1 cup of sour cream = 240 grams

Learn from These Mistakes

To ensure your Vanilla Bundt Cake turns out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can result in a dense cake.
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined.
Skipping the greasing step: A properly prepared pan is essential for easy release.
Not allowing the cake to cool before inverting: This can cause the cake to break or stick to the pan.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

If you want to make this Vanilla Bundt Cake ahead of time, it freezes beautifully! Here are some tips:

Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving to keep it looking fresh and inviting.

Ask & Learn

Can I substitute unsalted butter for salted butter?

Yes! If you prefer unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the batter to maintain the flavor balance.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for similar moisture and texture.

Can I add chocolate chips or fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips or fresh fruit can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overload it.

How can I ensure my cake is perfectly baked?

Make sure to test for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done!

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love this Vanilla Bundt Cake, you might also enjoy trying:

That’s a Wrap

This Vanilla Bundt Cake is a timeless treat that embodies the essence of home baking. With its rich flavor and inviting aroma, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or sharing it with loved ones, this cake is sure to bring joy. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up this delightful dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to savor the moments that come with sharing this wonderful Vanilla Bundt Cake!