Description
This Easy Vanilla Milk Cake is a luscious, moist dessert that combines a soft vanilla sponge soaked in a creamy milk mixture and topped with rich homemade caramel and delicate white chocolate feathered decoration. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a silky, indulgent treat with tender crumb and sweet, creamy layers.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
 - 5 large eggs (room temperature)
 - 1 cup granulated sugar
 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
 - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
 - Pinch of salt
 - ⅓ cup whole milk
 - ⅓ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
 
Milk Soaking Mixture
- 2 cups heavy cream
 - 3 cups whole milk
 
Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cubed)
 - ¾ cup heavy cream
 - 2 tbsp water
 - 1 tsp salt
 
Decoration
- ⅓ cup white chocolate (melted with 1 tsp neutral oil)
 
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
 - Beat Eggs: In a stand mixer bowl, beat the room temperature eggs on medium speed until they become foamy, which helps with cake volume.
 - Add Sugar Slowly: Gradually add sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating continuously. Beat for about 10 minutes until the mixture doubles in volume and turns pale and fluffy.
 - Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, whole milk, and neutral oil. Beat again for 30 seconds to 1 minute just until combined; avoid overbeating.
 - Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until the batter is smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
 - Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
 - Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before proceeding to the soaking step.
 - Prepare Soaking Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream and 3 cups whole milk until smooth.
 - Soak the Cake: Poke holes all over the surface of the slightly cooled cake using a fork or toothpick to help the milk mixture absorb deeply. Slowly pour the milk mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in gradually.
 - Refrigerate for Absorption: Chill the soaked cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
 - Make Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, add 1 cup granulated sugar and let it melt undisturbed. As it melts and clumps, gently stir with a wooden spoon to form an even caramel.
 - Add Cream and Water: Once the sugar is melted and amber colored, carefully whisk in ¾ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons water; the mixture will bubble up vigorously.
 - Finish Caramel: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
 - Decorate the Cake: After the cake has chilled and absorbed the milk mixture, drizzle the cooled caramel evenly over the top, tilting the pan to spread naturally without using a spoon.
 - Pipe White Chocolate: Transfer the melted white chocolate mixed with 1 teaspoon neutral oil into a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small cut tip. Pipe straight lines across the top of the caramel.
 - Create Feathered Effect: Drag a toothpick perpendicular through the piped lines, alternating directions to create a beautiful feathered pattern.
 - Chill to Set: Cover the decorated cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set fully.
 - Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into 12 servings, serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, caramel-infused vanilla delight.
 
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve better volume in the batter.
 - Be careful not to overmix the flour to keep the cake light and tender.
 - Slowly add sugar when beating eggs to ensure a fluffy texture.
 - Make sure to poke the cake thoroughly before soaking to allow even absorption of the milk mixture.
 - Let the caramel cool completely before drizzling to prevent melting the soaked cake layer excessively.
 - Refrigeration time is crucial for the best texture and flavor melding.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 30 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American