What happens when you forget to put vanilla in cake batter?

Forgetting to put vanilla in your cake batter won't ruin the cake, but it will definitely affect the flavor. Here's what you can expect:

The Good:

* The cake will still be edible: Vanilla is primarily a flavor enhancer, so the cake will still bake and have a basic cake-like texture.

* You can still salvage it: If you realize the omission before baking, you can still add vanilla extract to the batter.

The Bad:

* The cake will lack flavor: Vanilla adds a warm, sweet, and complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

* The cake might be bland: Without vanilla, the cake will be less interesting and may taste a bit flat or one-dimensional.

* You might not get the expected aroma: Vanilla extract adds a wonderful aroma to the cake, which will be absent without it.

Tips for Fixing a Vanilla-less Cake:

* Add vanilla extract to the frosting: This is the easiest way to bring back some of the vanilla flavor.

* Use vanilla-flavored ingredients: If you have vanilla extract on hand, you can add a teaspoon or two to the frosting, or use vanilla-flavored frosting.

* Don't worry too much: Even without vanilla, your cake will still be a cake. You can always enjoy it as a blank canvas and experiment with different toppings and frostings.

In Conclusion:

While forgetting the vanilla won't make the cake inedible, it will definitely impact its taste. If you can, add it before baking. Otherwise, get creative with toppings and frosting to enhance the flavor.