Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my all-time favorite recipe for Swans Down Vanilla Cake.
This classic dessert never fails to impress with its moist and tender crumb, delicate vanilla flavor, and versatility.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your repertoire.
So, let’s gather our ingredients, preheat the oven, and get started on creating a delightful vanilla cake!
How To Prepare Swans Down Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment:
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 2 Piece Set, 9 x 2 Inch
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Making Method Step By Step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans, tapping out any excess flour.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Step 3: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a rubber spatula.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Step 8: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.
2 Piece 16″ Cooling Racks
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 507.6 kcal
- Protein: 7.2 g
- Carbohydrate: 63.4 g
- Fat: 24.
- Sugar: 56.1 g
- Fibre: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cals from fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 9.4 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
Do You Need To Add Baking Powder To Swans Down Cake Flour?
No. Baking powder helps to keep the cake tender, and the aeration is best achieved by the egg yolks alone.
The amount of flour you use will be sufficient to provide a light, soft crumb.
Swans Down Cake is similar to no-bake sponge cakes, but rather than being cooked in a water bath, it is cooked in an oven (190°C/375ºF / Gas 5) and baked immediately once cooked.
Can I Use Swans Down Cake Flour?
Swans Down Cake flour is unbleached, untreated plain flour. For the best results, use it with a thermometer and a kitchen scale when measuring.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To Swans Down Cake?
You can add Swiss Meringue Buttercream or homemade or purchase jelly to the filling.
You can use a regular (not no-bake) sponge recipe and fill it with jam, jelly, and cream. You can also use sugar syrup instead of sugar in the recipe.
Which Ingredient Makes Cake Soft And Fluffy?
The softness of your Cake depends on the ingredients used, especially the level of air you allow in the mixture. The air can be achieved with the egg yolks alone,
and using a whisk or a balloon whisk helps. The amount of liquid in your recipe will also make a difference.
Tips and Variations
1. For an extra burst of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest or grated orange zest to the cake batter.
2. Customize the frosting by incorporating ¼ cup of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or a few drops of food coloring for a vibrant presentation.
3. Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to create unique variations of this classic vanilla cake.
Should I Cover The Cake While Cooling It In The Fridge?
No. The Cake is best out of the fridge, as it is still warm and has the softest texture. Do not cover Cake with a damp cloth.
Instead, use a clean tea towel to remove excess moisture. Please leave it to cool at room temperature (not in a cold place).
Conclusion
The recipe is so easy to make, and the result was fantastic. The Cake was moist, soft, and fluffy. I will be making this Cake again. I would like to hear from you if you decide to make it too.
Leave a comment below, check the recipe page for updates and write down any changes you made so we can discuss them further!
Thanks for reading!
