Some afternoons just call for the smell of vanilla filling your kitchen. The kind that reminds you of birthdays, sunlight through the window, and the first warm bite of something homemade. This vanilla cake recipe delivers that simple joy every time. Soft, buttery, and full of that sweet vanilla comfort, it’s the kind of cake that never goes out of style.
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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cake
This vanilla cake turns out moist, fluffy, and golden every single time. It’s soft but sturdy enough for layering, and the flavor is rich without being heavy. You’ll love that it uses pantry basics you already have at home. Plus, it’s versatile enough for birthdays, holidays, or an easy weekend dessert.
No fancy tricks—just a real, good cake that tastes like home.
Key Ingredients & What They Do
For the Cake
Butter brings richness and that smooth, creamy flavor we love.
Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs give the cake structure and that beautiful golden color.
Vanilla extract delivers warmth and depth.
Buttermilk keeps the texture light, moist, and just slightly tangy.
Flour, baking powder, and salt work together to lift and balance every bite.
For the Frosting
The frosting is a simple, silky buttercream. Butter and powdered sugar form the base, while cream softens it to the perfect spreadable texture. Vanilla gives it that lovely flavor that ties everything together.
Mix it well and beat until it’s smooth and dreamy—it’s like frosting a cloud.
How to Make Vanilla Cake Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two 8-inch pans with parchment paper and butter the sides. This step helps your cake release cleanly and bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk lightly to combine. Set aside for later.
This makes sure the cake rises evenly and stays light.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the butter until smooth, then add sugar.
Keep mixing for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This step adds air and makes your cake soft.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each.
Then pour in the vanilla extract.
This creates that signature velvety texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour in three batches, alternating with buttermilk.
Mix gently each time.
Fold the last bit by hand so the batter stays airy. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
6. Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly between pans.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let them cool for two minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and remove the parchment.
Cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the Frosting
Cream the butter with salt, then slowly add powdered sugar.
Pour in cream and vanilla, scrape the bowl, and beat on high for 3 minutes.
Mix another minute on low to remove air bubbles.
The result is smooth, glossy frosting that spreads like silk.
8. Assemble and Frost
Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers.
Frost the sides and top evenly.
Add a swirl or a few sprinkles if you like.
At this point, the cake looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Success
Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement.
If the cake layers stop making that soft crackling sound, they’re done.
Always check your baking powder freshness.
Cake strips can help layers bake flat and even.
Tap pans lightly before baking to pop air bubbles.
These small steps add up to a truly perfect cake.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Keep your cake covered at room temperature for two days.
Refrigerate it to make it last longer.
To freeze, wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic and foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it reach room temp before frosting.
Frosted slices can also be frozen, though they might not look quite as pretty later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients for a vanilla cake?
You’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
What is the secret to a good vanilla cake?
Creaming the butter and sugar properly makes it soft. Also, adding buttermilk helps keep the cake moist.
What are the 5 main ingredients in cake?
Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder.
What is the 1234 cake rule?
It stands for 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs—the old-fashioned ratio for a basic cake.
Vanilla Cake Recipe Card
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Vanilla Cake Recipe | Simple, Fluffy & Amazing Dessert
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe is rich with buttery flavor and soft crumb. It’s easy to make and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a cozy dessert at home.
Ingredients
**For the Cake:**
2½ cups all-purpose flour (280g)
2¼ tsp baking powder
¾ tsp salt
1⅔ cups granulated sugar (333g)
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (170g)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 Tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
1 cup buttermilk (240mL)
**For the Frosting:**
1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ tsp salt
5 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup cream or milk (plus more as needed)
2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch pans with parchment paper and butter the sides.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl; whisk and set aside.
3. Cream butter, then add sugar and beat until pale yellow and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing and scraping down bowl in between.
5. Add flour in three batches, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in remaining ingredients by hand to avoid over-mixing.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until edges pull from the pan and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, remove paper, and cool completely.
8. Cream butter and salt using stand or hand mixer.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed.
10. Drizzle in cream and vanilla, scrape bowl, then mix on high for 3 minutes.
11. Reduce speed to low and mix 1 more minute.
12. Use a spatula to press out air bubbles; frost and decorate cake.
Notes
Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Quiet cake layers mean they’re done baking.
Check your baking powder freshness for best rise.
Tap pans gently to remove air bubbles.
Cake strips help create flat, even layers.
Store frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze unfrosted layers up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 cake)
- Calories: 1129
- Sugar: 110g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 38g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 140g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
More Such Recipes
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love my Easy cinnamon apple cake for cozy baking days.
Try my Classic peanut butter blossoms for nostalgic holiday treats.
Or make a Homemade pecan pie with a rich, buttery crust.
Don’t miss my Whipped shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.
Final Thoughts
Baking a vanilla cake feels like a little act of care—for yourself or someone you love. It’s warm, soft, and endlessly welcoming. Try adding berries, whipped cream, or even a touch of caramel if you want to make it your own.
Share your version or tag me online at Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see your homemade creations filling other kitchens too.