Prepare to embark on a delectable journey through the heart of Southern baking with the most irresistible cake you'll ever taste! The Southern Little Layer Cake isn't just a dessert – it's a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a world of buttery, moist perfection. With its delicate, paper-thin layers stacked to create a towering sensation of pure bliss, this cake is about to become the star of your next gathering, family dinner, or midnight craving.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour multiple 8-inch round cake pans, typically 3-4 thin layers.
- In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among prepared cake pans, using about 1 cup of batter per pan to create thin, even layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and layers are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let layers cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, stack layers with your preferred frosting, traditionally a classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Precision is Key: Use exact measurements and sift your dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure a light, tender cake.
- Pan Preparation: Grease and flour your cake pans meticulously to prevent sticking. Consider using parchment paper for easy removal.
- Even Layers: Use a kitchen scale to divide batter equally among pans for uniform, thin layers.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Frosting Technique: For the most impressive presentation, use a rotating cake stand and an offset spatula for smooth, even frosting between layers.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day, so don't be afraid to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
