Description
This classic vanilla cake is soft, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor. Paired with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect centerpiece for birthdays or celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ – 4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 – 4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
9. For frosting, beat butter until creamy.
10. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth.
11. Add vanilla and 2 tbsp cream/milk, beating until fluffy. Add more liquid if needed.
12. Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. You can make this as a sheet cake or cupcakes. Add jam or fruit filling for a twist. Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg