Vegetarian Vanilla Cake

Total time1 hr 25 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time35 min

This classic two-layer vanilla cake is soft, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and rich, thanks to a batter that combines applesauce with butter and a touch of neutral oil for a moist, fine crumb. A splash of vinegar reacting with baking soda gives the layers that signature light, bakery-style lift, while good vanilla extract keeps the flavor warm and fragrant rather than one-note. Once baked and cooled, the layers get sandwiched and coated in a fluffy, spreadable frosting whipped until pale and light, then swept generously over the top and sides for that classic smooth finish. It's an approachable bake, too — nothing here calls for any fancy equipment beyond a hand mixer and a couple of round pans. Simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and baking powder do the heavy lifting, letting the vanilla flavor really shine through in every bite. This one is a solid, crowd-pleasing choice for a vegetarian kitchen, whether it's for a birthday, a potluck, or just an excuse to bake something classic.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Jovial Flour All Purpose Organic Einkorn Bag - 32 Oz Ka Flour Unbleached - 10 LB White Lily All Purpose Flour
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup neutral oil (such as canola oil or vegetable oil)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp white vinegar

For the frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tbsp whole milk
1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

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