If you are looking for a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Vanilla Cake is an absolute treasure. Imagine biting into soft, moist layers kissed by the warm aroma of pure vanilla, balanced perfectly by a luscious, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. This Vanilla Cake recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients in a way that transforms them into something magical, making it a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, gatherings, or simply an indulgent treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vanilla Cake lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a key role in creating a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the richness of butter to the delicate sweetness of vanilla extract, these ingredients come together to build layers of pure joy.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure for the cake’s tender crumb.

Baking powder (2 ½ tsp): The leavening agent that ensures the cake rises light and fluffy.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.

Unsalted butter (1 cup softened): Adds richness and moistness to the cake layers.
Granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.

Large eggs (4): Bind ingredients together and contribute to structure.
Pure vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Infuses the batter with the signature warm vanilla flavor.
Whole milk or buttermilk (1 cup): Moisturizes the batter and adds a subtle tang for depth.

Unsalted butter (1 cup softened) for frosting: The creamy base for the luscious frosting.
Powdered sugar (3 ½ – 4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp) for frosting: Enhances the rich vanilla taste in the frosting.

Heavy cream or milk (2 – 4 tbsp): Adjusts frosting texture, making it spreadable and smooth.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the frosting and adds depth to the flavor.

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to make sure your layers come out effortlessly after baking. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mix is the foundation for your cake’s tender crumb.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your Vanilla Cake its soft texture and loft.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse your batter with that distinct, nostalgic Vanilla Cake aroma that will fill your kitchen and your heart.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the milk to your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix gently and just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so be mindful to fold everything together smoothly yet lightly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops for an even rise. Bake in your preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This signals a perfectly baked Vanilla Cake. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely—this step prevents any crumbling during frosting.

Step 6: Craft the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps, then stir in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Add more cream if necessary to create a fluffy, spreadable frosting that will complement the cake’s tender layers beautifully.

Step 7: Assemble Your Vanilla Cake

Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of one layer, then carefully place the second layer over it. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake evenly. You can get creative here—decorate with colorful sprinkles, fresh fruit, or elegant piping for a gorgeous finish.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Garnishes

Enhance your Vanilla Cake with simple garnishes like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A few thin slices of fresh vanilla bean are show-stoppers too if you want to highlight the flavor even more. These tiny touches make each slice feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean or berry-flavored ice cream pairs like a dream with this Vanilla Cake. You could also serve fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of fruit coulis on the side for a refreshing contrast. Lightly toasted nuts add a lovely crunch, balancing the cake’s soft richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack mini Vanilla Cakes as individual servings for parties or cut them into charming cupcakes using the same batter and frosting. Arranging cake slices on a platter with scattered edible flowers creates a rustic yet elegant display that guests can’t resist. Don’t forget the power of beautiful cake stands or colorful plates to elevate the experience visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Vanilla Cake is frosted, store it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within 2 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, you can keep it refrigerated, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frost and decorate after thawing for a fresh, homemade experience even days later.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, gently warm slices of Vanilla Cake in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the flavors and softens the cake without drying it out. Perfect for cozying up with a slice and a cup of tea!

FAQs

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla extract?

Absolutely! Almond extract gives a deliciously nutty twist to your Vanilla Cake but use it sparingly as it’s quite potent—about half the amount of vanilla suggested is usually enough.

How can I make this Vanilla Cake dairy-free?

Swap out the butter for a quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. These substitutions keep your cake moist and flavorful without dairy.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Is this Vanilla Cake recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Definitely! Use cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 18-22 minutes. The cake batter is versatile and will give you soft, fluffy cupcakes every time.

How long will the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this Vanilla Cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated. Beyond that, freezing is your best option.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about a classic Vanilla Cake that brings people together, making celebrations a little sweeter and everyday moments a bit more special. This recipe is straightforward, reliable, and utterly delicious, so I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the magic of baking at home. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the inviting fragrance of vanilla, and your taste buds will thank you for every bite.

Vanilla Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in this classic, moist vanilla cake featuring a tender crumb and smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a simple dessert, this recipe offers a rich vanilla flavor balanced with light sweetness and an irresistibly soft texture.

Instructions

Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or alternatively line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures consistent rise and texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain emulsion, then stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Prepare for Baking: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully removing them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter on its own until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing, then incorporate the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Adjust cream quantity to achieve desired spreading consistency and beat the frosting for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides evenly.

Decorate: Finish by decorating with your choice of sprinkles, fresh fruit, or piping designs as desired to add a personal touch.

Notes

Using buttermilk instead of whole milk enhances the cake’s richness and tenderness.
Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake texture.

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better cake rise.
You can adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Bring the cake to room temperature before serving if refrigerated to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 35 g

Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g

Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 54 g

Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: vanilla cake, classic vanilla cake, homemade vanilla cake, vanilla buttercream frosting, easy cake recipe, moist vanilla cake