Million Dollar Cake Recipe: Indulge in a Rich and Decadent Dessert
Okay, friends, let’s talk cake. Forget everything you think you know about baking something impressive. This Million Dollar Cake Recipe? It lives up to its name. Seriously. It’s like a vanilla cake met a tres leches cake and they decided to have the most unbelievably moist, flavorful baby ever. I’m not kidding; I’ve seen people practically swoon after taking a bite. It’s way easier than a wedding cake but has that same “wow” factor. When I compare it to something like a simple boxed cake mix… well, there’s just no comparison. This is in a league of its own, trust me. You’ll use simple ingredients, but the result is pure magic.
What is a million dollar cake?
Think of Million Dollar Cake as an incredibly moist and flavorful vanilla cake that’s soaked in a hot water. After baking, make a creamy, sweet mixture. Is this a simplified version of tres leches cake? Is it because the taste is so rich and decadent, it’s like you’re biting into something.? What is worth a million dollars? Is this a dry cake? Is this cake too sweet? I don’t need to be a pastry chef to make this one, promise!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, so why should you try this recipe? Let me tell you. The flavor is insane. It’s a deep, rich vanilla that just coats your tongue. I swear, the first time I made it, I couldn’t stop sneaking slices! And that moistness? Forget about needing a glass of milk – this cake is practically self-hydrating. But here’s the thing, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Seriously. You’re basically mixing a cake, baking it, poking holes in it, and then drenching it in deliciousness. What I love most about this is how affordable it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients; it’s all stuff you probably already have in your pantry. I always have all purpose flour, eggs, and vanilla extract. It is also super versatile. I’ve served it at birthday parties, potlucks, and even just a random Tuesday night when we needed a pick-me-up. Compare it to a more complicated cake like a Black Forest cake? No contest. This gives you that same amazing flavor payoff with a fraction of the effort. I also like how it is much easier and a better option than ordering dessert.
How do I make a million dollar cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a million dollar cake? How do you bake a vanilla cake? Mixture of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. The magic happens as the cake soaks up all that goodness, becoming incredibly moist and flavorful. What makes this cake so special? Is it easier than other desserts?
Ingredients Notes Food
For the Cake:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake. Make sure it’s fresh for best rise.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds to its moistness.
Baking Powder: Leavens the cake, giving it a light and airy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. I’ve used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great!
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Vanilla Extract: Provides that classic vanilla flavor. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
For the Soak:
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.
Evaporated Milk: Contributes to the cake’s moistness and richness.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soak extra decadent and flavorful. I once used half and half when I was out of heavy cream, and it still tasted amazing!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do I remove a cake from the oven? I always use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! Make sure every corner is coated.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk baking powder to ensure a good rise? I always do this first to avoid lumps in the batter.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are well combined before adding the other ingredients for a smooth batter. I use room temperature eggs, which helps them incorporate better.
Step 4: Combine
Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix cake. Overmixing can cause a tough cake to break. I like to use a spatula to fold the ingredients together gently until there are no streaks of flour. I use my hands to pinch the dough.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into a greased pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. What is the best way to keep an eye on an oven? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Poke Holes
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. What is the best way to poke holes in a cake? The more holes, the better the soak! I usually make holes about an inch apart.
Step 7: Prepare the Soak
In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. Set aside. What makes a cake so moist? Is it necessary to add vanilla extract to a soak?
Step 8: Soak the Cake
Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, making sure to saturate it evenly. What is a cake made of? I usually pour it in stages, giving the cake a few minutes to soak in each addition.
Step 9: Chill & Serve
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. How does the cake absorb the milk mixture? Before serving, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or topping with fresh fruit. I like to add sliced strawberries for a pop of color and flavor!
What should I serve it with?
What are some ideas for making a million dollar cake? If you have a good breakfast, try pairing it with coffee. The sweetness of the cake complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly. I always set it out when I have company. For brunch, dress it up with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it with a glass of sparkling wine or ice cold water for an elegant touch. As a dessert, it’s great with ice cream or caramel sauce. Is it good with a glass of wine or herbal tea? I love a slice of this cake with hot chocolate. I like to serve it with ice cream. What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening?
How do I make a million dollar cake?
I’ve made this cake a lot, and I’ve learned some tricks along the way.Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the batter. Seriously, it’s the key to a tender cake. If you overmix gluten in flour, it can make your cake tough. Mix until just combined. I stop when I can still see a few streaks of flour and then gently fold them in.Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half. It won’t be quite as rich, but it still works. I used almond milk instead of regular milk in the cake batter, and it turned out great.Baking Tips:What is the best way to keep an eye on a cake while baking? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. I also like to rotate the cake halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.Soak it good:Don’t be shy with the milk mixture. The cake will absorb it all, and that’s what makes it so moist. I like to pour the mixture over the cake in stages, giving it a few minutes to soak in each. Trust me, you will not regret it.
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do I make a million dollar cake?Refrigerator Storage: What This cake is best stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so it actually gets better over time!
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this cake is soaked, there’s no glaze to worry about! The milk mixture keeps it perfectly moist and flavorful. Just make sure to store it properly to maintain that deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Million Dollar Cake Recipe. I promise, this cake is worth every single calorie. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat, but impressive enough for a special occasion. The moist texture and rich vanilla flavor will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my vanilla cupcakes or my chocolate cake recipe. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it! If you tweak it or add your own special touch, I’d love to hear about that, too. Sharing is caring!
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Million Dollar Cake Recipe: Indulge in a Rich and Decadent Dessert
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups heavy cream for frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened, for frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice for frosting
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream and lemon juice, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
