Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe: Bake Like the Pros

When it comes to classic desserts, a vanilla cake from Magnolia Bakery is an absolute favorite.

This beloved bakery has been delighting taste buds with its moist and flavorful vanilla cake for years.

This iconic cake from the renowned Magnolia Bakery is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.

The only difference is the flavor because they use natural ingredients instead of pre-made substitutes.

Magnolia Bakery is renowned for its delightful vanilla cake. The mere mention of it can make anyone’s mouth water.

In this blog post, I’ll share with you my take on the famous Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for special occasions or just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe
Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe

How To Prepare Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Baking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: One 9-inch cake (12 servings)

Equipment:

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Offset spatula (optional but recommended)

 9-Inch Round Cake Pans Set

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Ingredients:

Now, let’s gather the ingredients to create our Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mixing the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.

In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and vegetable oil. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Mix until the batter is smooth.

 Hand Mixer Electric for Whipping

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2. Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 5g

What Is Magnolia Bakery Most Famous For?

Magnolia Bakery is most famous for its decadent cupcakes and iconic banana pudding.

Their cupcakes are known for their moist, flavorful cakes and generous dollops of buttercream frosting.

The bakery offers a variety of cupcake flavors, including red velvet, chocolate, vanilla, and carrot cake, just to name a few.

They have been featured on numerous TV shows and movies, have opened retail stores in New York City and Los Angeles and sold their Magnolias Vanilla Cake mix until 2013.

What Makes A Cake Moist And Fluffy?

Achieving a moist and fluffy cake requires a balance of several factors, including the ingredients, mixing technique, and baking process.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that contribute to a delightful cake texture:

1. Moisturizing Ingredients:

Buttermilk or Sour Cream: These acidic ingredients react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, contributing to a lighter, airier texture.

Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Fats like oil and butter help trap air during mixing, resulting in a moist and tender crumb.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and emulsify the batter, which enhances moisture and lightness.

2. Creaming Process:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature to ensure a smooth and even creaming process.

This allows the ingredients to blend seamlessly, incorporating air and creating a fluffy texture.

Creaming Butter and Sugar: Creaming butter and sugar together incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a moist and light cake. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough or dry cake.

3. Baking Technique:

Preheating the Oven: Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking the cake. This allows the batter to expand evenly and prevents the cake from becoming dense or undercooked.

Adequate Baking Time: Don’t overbake the cake, as this can dry it out. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

4. Cooling and Storage:

Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or inverting it onto a wire rack. This prevents the cake from collapsing.

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to extend its freshness.

What Makes A Cake Taste Good?

Quality ingredients are the most critical factor in achieving a great cake. Whether you are using fresh or dried fruits, chocolate or spices – make sure they are fresh so you can get that delicious fresh flavor into your cake batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience:

  • Frost the cake with Magnolia Bakery’s famous vanilla buttercream frosting for a truly indulgent treat.
  • Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.

Tips and Variations

Can I Keep Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze the Magnolia Vanilla Cake. However, please remember not to store it in an airtight container.

Instead, store it in a cardboard box or wrap it with plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour if you prefer a softer and more delicate crumb in the cake.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a whole cake?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes.

Can I freeze leftover cake slices?

Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if needed.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips will turn this classic vanilla cake into a delightful vanilla-chocolate treat.

Conclusion

The Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake recipe is a delicious delight that brings a taste of the bakery into your home.

This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.

There you have it—a delightful journey into the world of baking with the Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake recipe.

This iconic cake will never go out of style and is sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.

So, why wait? Unleash your inner baker, gather your ingredients, and create your very own Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake masterpiece. Happy baking!