How to Bake an 8 Inch Cake

Homemade 8 inch cake layered recipe is easier than you think. Using two 8×1.5 pans or one 8×3 inch pan with boxed cake mix, either way this makes for a fun dessert.

8 Inch Cake with Cake Mix

If you are going to use a boxed cake mix for this you could for sure. You would just follow the instructions on the back as far as what to add and then pour into your prepared pans. For the fluffiest cakes you should bake at 350 degrees F. 

Two 8-inch pans will take a total of 23-28 min until the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. If you wanted to make a homemade 8 inch vanilla cake recipe you would instead use the following ingredients;

Ingredients

• 3 c cake flour
• 2 tbsp cake flour
  • this is NOT the same as all purpose flour, if you need to make it homemade here is a link
• A pinch of Kosher salt
• Baking powder
• Unsalted butter and sugar
• Vanilla extract or flavoring of choice
• Egg yolks
• 3 eggs
• Milk whole is best
• 1/2 c Greek yogurt, sour cream, or homemade curd

How to Bake an 8 Inch Cake

Then you choose your pan of choice, round or square. Usually it is prettier using two round 8-inch cake pans so you can put one on top of the other with filling in the middle once it reaches room temperature of course.

How Long Does it Take to Bake an 8 Inch Cake?

That depends on the pan you use. The best method is to use two 8×1.5 inch round pans and separate the batter between the two. Then when done you cool, flip one upside down, add a middle filling like coffee frosting or curd and then place the second one on top right side up.

The timing isn’t much different than if you made one in a 7 inch pan like our Chocolate Coffee Cake, maybe a few minutes depending on ingredients used.

How to prevent a cake from sticking?

To prevent a cake from sticking to the pan, it’s essential to properly prepare the pan before pouring in the purple cake batter. Here are some tips to help ensure your cake comes out of the pan smoothly:

1. Use a cooking spray, vegetable oil, or melted butter to grease the entire inner surface of the pan. Make sure to reach into any crevices or corners.
   • After greasing, lightly dust the greased pan with flour.
   • Tap and rotate the pan to coat the greased surface evenly with a thin layer of flour.
   • This helps create a barrier between the cake batter and the pan, preventing sticking.
2. You can use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for easier removal. Line the bottom of the cake pan cut to fit the shape of the pan.
3. Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This short resting time helps the cake firm up slightly and makes it easier to release from the pan.
4. After the cooling period, run a thin knife or offset spatula around the edges of the pan to loosen it from the sides. Be gentle.
5. Place a wire rack or a flat plate over the top of the cake pan. Carefully and swiftly invert the pan while holding onto the rack or plate, allowing the cake to release from the pan onto the rack or plate. If using parchment paper, peel it off gently.
6. If you find it is still sticking, give the bottom of the pan a light tap or gentle shake to encourage it to release. Gravity can help dislodge any stubborn areas.

By following these steps, you can minimize the chances of your cake sticking to the pan and achieve a clean and intact cake when it’s time to serve. Proper preparation and handling of the pan are crucial for successful cake removal.

How to Make a Homemade 8 Inch Cake

If you wanted to make a half birthday cake you would just cut the recipe in half and bake just one 8″ round. Then slice in half when done and layer that way so it is half of a cake!! Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl whisk together dry ingredients of flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.

• Use a stand mixer to beat the softened butter for about 1 minute, then add white sugar and beat for a few more minutes until it reaches a fluffy texture
• Add eggs one at a time, continuing to beat together. Then add yolks one at a time mixing again. Add vanilla and yogurt or sour cream. Mix.
• Pour in half of your dry ingredients and mix again.
• Add milk, mix and then add in remaining dry ingredients. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit into the bottom of your 8″ pan(s).
• Pour batter inside pan(s)
• If you are using 1 8×3″ pan, fill to 3/4 of the way full and bake for 55-60 minutes, if using 2 – 8″ pans divide evenly between them and bake for 23-28 minutes or until toothpick in the center of cake(s) comes out clean and golden brown on top.

Remove and set on cooling rack for at least 15 minutes and until cool enough to lift pan, use a knife to loosen sides, and remove from pan(s). Set on cooling rack until completely cooled if you want to frost with vanilla buttercream.

How long should you let a cake sit before frosting?

Ok so there is what is recommended in order to have the least crumbs possible, but it may dry it out a bit more. Or there is the “I can’t wait, I need to eat it as soon as possible way”. Take your pick. The best way to frost a cake is to let each layer cool. Then wrap each one in plastic wrap tightly, put into the fridge for 3 hours – overnight. Then unwrap. layer, and frost.

If you cannot wait then just know that the crumbs will get in the way and get into your buttercream most likely. You always have to wait until it is at room temperature, but from there you could prepare and smooth your goodness all over then.

How to Make a Small Baby Shower Cake

You can make this for any sort of occasion. As is just decorate with the colors of the party or you can cool, crumble and make baby shower cake pops out of it which are super cute. You can stick them up in a piece of foam for serving or wrap each one in cellophane or plastic wrap with a ribbon around the end too.

Vanilla 8 Inch Cake

If you want to transition the recipe below to a chocolate cake just add 1/4 cup of cocoa into the batter. An easy transition you can make. Powdered sugar can be dusted on to the top or mixed with some milk to make a glaze to drizzle over it too, a cheap choice. Jump to recipe card below to get started!

How do You Decorate a Cake Cute

Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating this baby. For something simple, cheap but always is a hit just frost the outside and then cover the top and all the sides with sprinkles, like ALL over. Cover every inch, rainbow is always the prettiest and goes well with any occasion.