Description
This rustic two-layer naked cake features a tender, buttermilk-based sponge lightly finished with vanilla buttercream. Its unfussy, elegant appearance and honest flavor make it the perfect centerpiece for family gatherings and weekend celebrations.
Ingredients
- Cake flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Large eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, grease two 8-inch round cake pans with shortening, and lightly dust with flour.
- Combine dry ingredients. Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until uniform.
- Mix wet components. Stir buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together in a liquid measuring cup until the oil is dispersed.
- Cream butter and sugar. Beat softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth, then gradually add sugar and beat for three to five minutes until fluffy.
- Add the eggs. Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next.
- Alternate additions. Mix in the flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately at low speed, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Bake the layers. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Assemble the cake. Spread vanilla buttercream between the cooled layers and scrape a thin layer over the sides for a rustic, naked finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter emulsifies properly during mixing.
- Measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off to prevent a dense cake.
- Chill the baked cake layers overnight to improve the texture and make them easier to stack.
- Maintain a clean bench scraper by wiping it frequently to keep the exterior frosting look sharp.
- Trim any domed tops from the cake layers to create a stable, flat base for stacking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
