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The Best Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe

Close-up of a moist, three-layer slice from a vanilla cake recipe, covered in white frosting.
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This recipe delivers a soft, fluffy, and moist layer cake with rich vanilla flavor, paired with a silky vanilla buttercream frosting. It is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (optional, for whiter cake)
  • For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter and sugar to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, pure vanilla extract, and clear vanilla extract (if using).
  6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add half of the milk mixture to the batter, mixing until just combined. Scrape the bowl.
  7. Add the remaining dry ingredients mixture and mix until just incorporated. Then, slowly add the remaining milk mixture and mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  12. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the remaining cream if the frosting seems too stiff.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and assemble your layer cake.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter; this helps create a smoother, more uniform crumb.
  • For the best vanilla flavor, use high-quality pure vanilla extract.
  • If you are making a sheet cake, use a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/vanilla-cake-recipe/