Sourdough Vanilla Cake from Farmhouse on Boone

Sourdough Vanilla Cake - made July 24, 2025 from Farmhouse on Boone 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla

1/2 cup sourdough starter

1 cup water or milk

3 large eggs

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, combine sourdough starter, milk, eggs, melted coconut oil and vanilla.
5. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the butter-flour mixture. Mix on low speed to incorporate then increase speed to medium. Beat until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of bowl to keep mixture even-textured.
6. Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before frosting.
7. Make frosting: in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
8. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix on low speed after each addition. Once all of the powdered sugar has been incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add whipping cream, salt and vanilla and whisk for 1-2 more minutes. Spread evenly onto cooled cake.

I haven't been too thrilled with some of the sourdough discard recipes I've been trying so I might stop for awhile and/or let my starter die. Plus still struggling to write these blog posts because life feels heavy so apologies in advance that some of these posts get curt. I will admit I'm trying to find joy where I can and some days, I don't succeed.

The flavor of this cake was okay but I didn't love the texture. It was cakey, because, hello, it's a cake but I think my preference is for cakes that have more of a pound cake texture. Plus I wasn't wild about the frosting. I'm not a buttercream fan and that's what this was. 

This isn't too sweet so if you want more sweetness, try using a simple vanilla glaze instead of frosting.