Vanilla Dream Cake

Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat, this soft, fluffy cake will quickly become a favourite. With the perfect blend of vanilla essence, buttery richness, and a light, airy texture, this cake is bound to impress. Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan (approximately 23 cm/9 inches in diameter) or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy release. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs and 250 g of sugar. You can do this by hand, but using an electric mixer will make the process easier.

Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until it turns pale, thick, and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, ensuring a light cake. In a separate bowl, sift together the 350 g of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it and remove any lumps, which will give you a smoother batter. Gently heat the 300 ml of milk in a saucepan or microwave until it’s warm (not boiling).

Slowly add the melted butter and vanilla sugar to the milk, stirring until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk-butter mixture. Start by folding in a portion of the dry ingredients, then pour in a bit of the milk-butter mixture, and continue alternating until everything is well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airiness of the eggs.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top and a light spring when touched. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

You can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favourite frosting. Its light texture and delightful vanilla flavour make it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea. Enjoy every bite of this classic treat, and feel free to add your twists with toppings or fillings.