Introduction
Costco's vanilla cake has become a beloved staple for birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings, known for its moist texture and delightful flavor. This homemade version captures the iconic taste with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
- 375g all-purpose flour
- 300g granulated sugar
- 10g baking powder
- 5g salt
- 170g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 240ml whole milk
- 10ml vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 450g unsalted butter, softened
- 500g powdered sugar
- 10ml vanilla extract
- 60ml heavy cream
For the Filling:
- 250g vanilla pudding
- 200ml heavy cream
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
To create this delightful cake, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 23cm round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Incorporate the vanilla extract, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, whisk together the vanilla pudding and heavy cream until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
8. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy.
9. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate and spread the vanilla pudding filling evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top.
10. Frost the entire cake with the prepared buttercream frosting and smooth it out for a clean finish.
11. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before slicing and serving.
This homemade copycat Costco vanilla cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 23cm round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Then, gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Filling
For the filling, in a bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Refrigerate until it is needed.
Step 9: Make the Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it is creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread the prepared vanilla pudding filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
Step 11: Frost the Cake
Using a spatula, frost the entire cake with the buttercream frosting, smoothing it out for a clean finish.
Step 12: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream for added flavor.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
Baking Variations
For a different flavor experience, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a unique twist.
Frosting Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Cook techniques
Prepping Cake Pans
Greasing and lining cake pans with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking and makes removal easier.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which contributes to a uniform rise in the cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beating softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy creates air pockets, leading to a lighter cake texture.
Incorporating Eggs
Adding eggs one at a time ensures they are fully integrated into the batter, contributing to the structure and moisture of the cake.
Alternating Dry Ingredients and Milk
Adding dry ingredients and milk alternately helps maintain a smooth batter while preventing overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
Cooling the Cake
Allowing the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps to set the cake and prevents breaking.
Whipping Filling
Whisking vanilla pudding with heavy cream until smooth creates a light and creamy filling that enhances the cake's moisture and flavor.
Frosting Texture
Beating butter and powdered sugar gradually allows for a smooth frosting texture that can be easily spread on the cake.
Assembling the Cake
Placing the filling between layers and ensuring even frosting provides a visually appealing and delicious final product.
Chilling the Cake
Refrigerating the frosted cake for at least an hour helps set the frosting and makes slicing easier.
FAQ
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, using cake flour can result in an even lighter and softer cake.
How can I ensure my cake layers are even?
Use a kitchen scale to measure the batter for each cake pan, ensuring that they are equal in weight.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
What can I substitute for vanilla pudding?
You can use a store-bought vanilla custard or a homemade vanilla custard as a filling alternative.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How can I add more flavor to the frosting?
You can add additional flavor extracts, such as almond or lemon, to the frosting for a unique twist.
Conclusion
This homemade copycat version of Costco's vanilla cake brings the beloved flavors and moist texture right to your kitchen. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, it showcases how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dessert. With its delicious frosting and delightful filling, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy the sweet tooth of your guests.
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Try layering your vanilla cake with rich chocolate frosting and filling for a decadent chocolate-vanilla combination.
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Add a zesty twist by incorporating lemon curd between the layers and using lemon buttercream frosting for a refreshing flavor pairing.
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Combine the vanilla cake with stunning red velvet layers for a visually striking dessert. Cream cheese frosting would complement it perfectly.
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Use fresh strawberries and whipped cream as filling, turning your vanilla cake into a delightful strawberry shortcake.
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Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter and top with coconut frosting for a tropical flavored twist.
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Layer your vanilla cake with a creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache for a rich and indulgent dessert.
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Mix colorful sprinkles into the vanilla batter for a funfetti version, topped with vanilla buttercream for a festive touch.
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