Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake: 1 Hour to Delight
This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that perfectly mimics the beloved cake served at your local Costco. Known for its moist texture and flavorful vanilla taste, this cake makes a great addition to birthdays, gatherings, or any celebration.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The cake is moist, fluffy, and has a rich vanilla flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. You can enjoy it plain or load it with your favorite frosting, which adds versatility to fit any occasion. Additionally, making it at home can save you a trip to Costco, and you can customize it to your taste!
Ingredients
To make this delightful cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, here are a few ideas:
- Flour: You can use cake flour for a lighter texture.
- Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a different flavor.
- Butter: If you’re out of butter, you can use vegetable oil (1 cup oil for 1 cup butter).
- Buttermilk: Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes.
For key variations, you can add chocolate chips for a chocolate vanilla cake, or layer it with fruit such as strawberries or raspberries.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Until Smooth
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy!
Frost with your favorite vanilla frosting and serve. Enjoy the delightful taste of your homemade vanilla cake!
Success Tips
- Temperature: Make sure your butter is actually softened and not melted to achieve the right texture.
- Texture: Avoid overmixing once you add in the wet ingredients; this keeps the cake fluffy.
- Common Mistakes: Do not open the oven door while baking, as it can cause the cakes to collapse.
How to Serve
Serve slices of this delicious vanilla cake on its own or topped with your favorite frosting. It pairs well with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for dessert lovers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have excess frosting, it can also be stored separately. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake this cake as a single layer?
Yes, you can bake it in a larger pan (like a 9×13) but adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
2. How can I make this cake chocolate?
Substitute 1/2 cup of cocoa powder for 1/2 cup of the flour to make a chocolate version.
3. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make your own buttermilk by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice as mentioned earlier.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor may be slightly different.
5. How do I know when my cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This cake is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. A slice contains calories mainly from carbohydrates and fats. If you’re counting calories or watching sugar intake, consider serving smaller slices.
Conclusion
Enjoy making and tasting this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake! It’s a straightforward recipe that brings joy with every bite. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious homemade dessert.
Ready to bake? Get started now, and don’t forget to share your results!
Links to Related Recipes
Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a different flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened If out of butter, vegetable oil can be used (1:1 substitution).
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk Can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined for about 2-3 minutes.
- Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with your favorite vanilla frosting and serve.