This Vanilla Pastry Cake is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. With its soft, fluffy layers and delicate vanilla flavor, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet wonderfully light. Topped with a smooth glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is ideal for birthdays, tea parties, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, simple, and memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicate Flavor: A light vanilla taste that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Versatile: Dress it up with fruit, glaze, or whipped cream, or enjoy it plain.
Light & Fluffy: Tender texture makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual afternoons to elegant celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or light butter, melted)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup low-fat milk
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar, light glaze, or fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add applesauce (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing.
4. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or top with berries before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Add a Glaze: A simple vanilla or lemon glaze makes this cake extra special.
- Make Ahead: Bake a day in advance—the flavor deepens after resting.
- Pair with Fruit: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches complement the vanilla perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
This cake delivers all the satisfaction of a classic pastry with a lighter, more modern touch. It’s simple enough for everyday enjoyment yet elegant enough for special occasions. The vanilla flavor shines through beautifully, making it a timeless favorite.
Vanilla Pastry Cake is a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication. With its soft crumb, light sweetness, and versatility, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or dressed up with glaze and fruit, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Vanilla Pastry Cake – Elegant, Light, and Irresistible
10-12
servings15
minutes30
minutes150
kcal45
minutesThis Vanilla Pastry Cake is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. With its soft, fluffy layers and delicate vanilla flavor, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet wonderfully light. Topped with a smooth glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is ideal for birthdays, tea parties, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, simple, and memorable.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or light butter, melted)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup low-fat milk
Optional Topping:
Powdered sugar, light glaze, or fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add applesauce (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or top with berries before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Add a Glaze: A simple vanilla or lemon glaze makes this cake extra special.
Make Ahead: Bake a day in advance—the flavor deepens after resting.
Pair with Fruit: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches complement the vanilla perfectly.