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Slice of minimal vanilla cake on a white plate with a fork

Minimal Cake

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5 from 6 reviews

Description

This elegant minimal cake delivers a tender, velvet-like crumb using sour cream and cake flour for maximum flavor in a small-batch format. Perfectly portioned for intimate gatherings, it proves that simple, high-quality vanilla and rich butter can create a bold and sophisticated dessert without the need for excessive decoration.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 3/4 cup (79g) cake flour, sifted
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for buttercream)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare three 4-inch cake pans or one 6-inch pan by greasing the sides and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a stand mixer, cream the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Reduce speed to low, add the egg, and mix until combined; then add the sour cream and vanilla, beating on high for one minute until the mixture emulsifies.
  4. Add the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt on low speed, then slowly stream in the milk and mix for 30 seconds until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 18-22 minutes (for 4-inch) or 24-28 minutes (for 6-inch) until the tops spring back or a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. For the buttercream, beat the butter on medium-high for 5 minutes, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt, whipping until smooth and pale.
  7. Level the cooled cake layers, apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream, chill for 20 minutes, and then finish with a final smooth layer of frosting.

Notes

To ensure the most delicate texture, always sift your cake flour before measuring to avoid heavy packing, and ensure your dairy ingredients are truly at room temperature to maintain a stable emulsion. If you find the small cake layers are shifting during assembly, using a small dab of frosting on the cake board will act as a structural anchor before you begin your crumb coat.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakehalf.com/minimal-cake/