If you are on the hunt for a truly comforting and timeless dessert, look no further than Mom’s Best Cake Recipe. This classic cake is a perfect harmony of soft, moist texture and subtle sweetness, making it a beloved favorite in any family gathering. Its simplicity in ingredients and method belies the incredible homey warmth it delivers with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or a simple afternoon treat, Mom’s Best Cake Recipe never fails to impress with its tender crumb and delightful flavor that feels just like a loving hug from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Mom’s Best Cake Recipe plays a key role in creating its wonderful texture, flavor, and appearance. These straightforward pantry staples combine to form a cake that’s both moist and fluffy, with the perfect crumb you’ll want to come back to again and again.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s structure, ensuring that tender crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and contributes to a moist texture when creamed properly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft for days.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings a slight tang and react with leavening agents for lift and tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness and stability.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides that warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to help the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives additional lift to ensure a light texture.
How to Make Mom’s Best Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly throughout.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, which helps give the cake that desirable soft texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Then stir in the vanilla extract, letting that warm aroma fill your kitchen and signal you’re on your way to baking magic.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt, so every bite tastes consistent.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender and avoid toughness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to frosting or serving.
How to Serve Mom’s Best Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious all on its own, adding a garnish can elevate your presentation and flavor. Try dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or topping with fresh berries for a bright, natural finish. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a swirl of whipped cream perfectly complements the gentle sweetness of the cake.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee creates a delightful balance. For something lighter, fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries makes a refreshing companion that enhances the cake’s comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mom’s Best Cake Recipe as individual squares on pretty plates with a dollop of frosting or cream cheese icing. For special occasions, add edible flowers or colorful sprinkles for charm. You can even layer it with jam and whipped cream to turn it into a quick trifle for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the cake moist. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, but remember to bring the cake back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap with foil to prevent freezer burn. This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, simply microwave slices for 10 to 15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature after thawing. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the delicate crumb that makes Mom’s Best Cake Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute the buttermilk in Mom’s Best Cake Recipe?
Yes! You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will replicate the acidity needed for the baking soda to work effectively.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. Mom’s Best Cake Recipe uses no animal-derived gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients, making it a perfect dessert for vegetarian diets.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the texture; some blends may alter the cake’s softness and crumb slightly.
What frosting pairs best with this cake?
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple buttercream. You could even leave it unfrosted and dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for about 2 days. Refrigeration can extend freshness to 4 to 5 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum moisture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake and share Mom’s Best Cake Recipe. Its timeless flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying texture make it an instant favorite that feels like a heartfelt family hug in every slice. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make memories with this classic homemade cake that truly deserves its place as a cherished staple dessert.
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Mom’s Best Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mom’s Best Cake is a classic American dessert recipe featuring a moist and tender buttermilk cake, perfect for any occasion. This easy homemade cake balances the richness of butter and oil with the tanginess of buttermilk, resulting in a deliciously light texture that can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of frostings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each egg to ensure even distribution. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×13-inch pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting or serving to ensure clean slices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own or paired with your favorite frosting.
- Try it with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and soft.
- Use fresh buttermilk for the best tangy flavor and moist texture.
