Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your loaf tin or line it with baking paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla bean paste to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cake batter into the lined loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Insert a skewer into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, combine the icing sugar, cream, and remaining vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting generously on top and finish with colorful sprinkles.
Best ways to enjoy it
Here are a few ideas to serve your vanilla loaf cake:
- Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with fresh seasonal fruits, such as berries, for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Consider drizzling a tangy lemon glaze over the top for an added zing!
- For an afternoon snack, enjoy it with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your vanilla loaf cake fresh:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- If you’ll be keeping it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- For quick reheating, slice and pop in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some chef-approved tips to enhance your baking experience:
- Make sure your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t over-mix your batter; stop as soon as there are no flour pockets to keep the cake tender.
- Use a skewer to check for doneness, but remember that carryover cooking may continue after you take it out of the oven.
- If frosting is too thick, add a splash more cream to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe variations
Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Incorporate citrus zest (like lemon or orange) for a fresh twist.
- Drizzle with a caramel sauce instead of frosting for a decadent treat.
FAQs
What is the prep time for this vanilla loaf cake?
Prep time typically takes about 15-20 minutes, while the total baking time is around 50 minutes.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg replacement; just remember that the texture may vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your baking adventure with this delightful vanilla loaf cake! Happy baking!
