Cake – Chocolate or Vanilla?

When it comes to cakes and cupcakes, there are endless flavor possibilities, and I am always willing to try something new. But before I got brave and ventured into the world of lemon and coconut and snickerdoodle, I wanted to become comfortable with some basic cake flavors to have in my repertoire. And when I think ‘basic’ for dessert flavors, it’s always chocolate and vanilla.

Most people are partial to one or the other. Me? I am a vanilla girl. As a kid, I remember going to Baskin Robbins when we’d visit the big city, and I’d sample some different flavors but always chose the vanilla. It was the same when we visited the Blue Bell Creamery this summer with our kids. Of course I chose the vanilla for my sample cup! But, that doesn’t mean I don’t love a good dose of chocolate from time to time, too.

Best Birthday Cake

This cake is the favorite in our house. Deb, from the Smitten Kitchen, nailed it with the name. It really is the best birthday cake. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this cake, but I have yet to try out the icing. I have made this with both all purpose and cake flour with success.

Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

A friend introduced me to this great vanilla cupcake recipe. It uses oil instead of butter, which is a bonus for those days when I forget to take out the butter to soften! I think the oil also makes it work really well for cupcakes because they don’t tend to overcook and/or dry out as easily as some other recipes I’ve tried. I have successfully adapted the recipe to use it as a cake, as well.

White Layer Cake

When making a cake that will be colored, I need to start with a white cake and not a yellow cake. Another friend shared this recipe with me, and after trying one other (and even a couple of cake mixes), I can say this is by far my favorite.

Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake

I have only ever used one recipe for chocolate cake. The first time I was making chocolate cake, I decided to use the recipe right on the container of Hershey’s cocoa powder, and I’ve never felt the need to try another. I really enjoy the taste and texture of this cake, but I especially enjoy the fact that it is easy and forgiving to make. With that said, I know that chocolate cake recipes with coffee in them are supposed to be the best of the best for choc-o-holics, but I have yet to bake one myself. It is on my to-do list and I will be sure to report back.