Hey there, baking buddy! Are you ready to whip up something delightfully sweet and totally irresistible? Today, I am thrilled to share with you a recipe for Costco Vanilla Cake. This fluffy, moist cake is a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave something deliciously comforting. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this vanilla cake will make you feel like a star in the kitchen. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this sweet adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Costco Vanilla Cake
Let’s talk about what makes this Costco Vanilla Cake so special. First up, this cake is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy party. Each slice is soft thanks to the buttermilk and rich with flavor from the butter and vanilla. The recipe proudly boasts ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it an easy choice for a last-minute dessert.
What also sets this cake apart is its texture. It’s fluffy without being too light, and its slight density gives it that classic homemade touch we all adore. The basic vanilla flavor opens the door to endless decorating possibilities, think fresh fruits, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. No matter how you decide to serve it, each bite will bring a smile to your face.
Step-by-Step: Making Costco Vanilla Cake
Ready to create this sweet masterpiece? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Costco Vanilla Cake.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is warming up, take out your baking supplies. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure that your cakes come out effortlessly.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This blend of dry ingredients is essential for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add 1 1/4 cups of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of buttermilk (at room temperature) to the dry mixture. Use your mixer to mix until it becomes a smooth batter.
- Add in the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack in 6 large eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully into the batter. Then, add in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for that delicious aroma and rich flavor we all love.
- Prepare to Bake: Divide your cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for a nice finish.
- Bake the Layers: Place your pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark with a toothpick, it should come out clean when they are ready.
- Cool Time: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This way, you can gently transfer them to cooling racks, where they will cool completely.
- Buttercream Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, let’s make the buttercream! In a bowl, whip together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth.
- Frost the Cakes: Once your cakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the buttercream, stacking the layers as you go. You can make the presentation as simple or extravagant as you like!
Best Ways to Serve Costco Vanilla Cake
This cake beckons a variety of serving options. You can keep it simple and enjoy a slice of plain vanilla cake, which tastes fabulous on its own. However, if you want to wow your guests, consider adding some decorations. Fresh berries on top are always a hit, or you could drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
For a charming presentation, you can even add edible flowers if you’re feeling creative. Whatever you choose, this cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Keeping Your Costco Vanilla Cake Fresh
What’s the best way to store your delightful cake? If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), you’ll want to keep them safe. Wrap your cake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and store it in a cool, dry place. You can also refrigerate leftovers for added freshness, but I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving again.
If you want to keep your Costco Vanilla Cake for longer, consider freeze options! Simply wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Pop them out whenever you need a little sweetness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Costco Vanilla Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cake.
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accurate ingredient quantities. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Aim to mix until just combined after adding the eggs. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, which we definitely don’t want!
- Customize Your Frosting: While buttercream is fantastic, feel free to experiment with different kinds of frosting, like cream cheese or whipped cream, based on your preference.
Delicious Variations of Costco Vanilla Cake
The beauty of Costco Vanilla Cake lies in its versatility. You can easily customize this cake by adding different flavors or fillings. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Almond Twist: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add zest of one lemon into the batter for a hint of citrusy freshness.
- Chocolate Delight: Incorporate some cocoa powder into the batter to create a luscious chocolate version.
- Seasonal Fruits: Layer fresh fruits between the cake layers for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: You can experiment with cake flour for a softer texture, but all-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe.
Q: How many layers can I make?
A: You can easily make a three-layer cake. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, and adjust your baking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cakes and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days, or freeze them for up to three months before frosting.
There you have it, baking friends! A delightful Costco Vanilla Cake that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms the heart. It’s time to get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and let the magic happen in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Costco Vanilla Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fluffy, moist cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave something sweet. Its classic vanilla flavor allows for endless decorating possibilities.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter and buttermilk to the dry mixture; mix until smooth.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time; then add vanilla extract.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
- For frosting, whip together unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Once cakes are cool, frost them generously with the buttercream.
Notes
For the best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg