Church Cake with Vanilla Glaze (Printable version)
Classic moist vanilla sponge topped with sweet glaze, ideal for serving at gatherings and community events.
# What you need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup buttermilk
→ Vanilla Glaze
10 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
11 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Allow glaze to set before slicing.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The tender crumb stays moist for days, making it perfect for make ahead moments
- Simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly, so set everything out about 30 minutes before baking
- Overmixing after adding flour creates a tough cake, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks
03 -
- For extra vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean into the butter mixture
- A light dusting of powdered sugar over the glaze makes for a bakery finish