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Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 12 servings 1x

Description

This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake recipe recreates the iconic bakery-style vanilla cake beloved by many. It features a moist and tender yellow cake layered with a smooth, creamy vanilla mousse and a luscious cornstarch-infused buttercream frosting. Perfectly sweet and rich, topped with colorful sprinkles, this cake is ideal for celebrations or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
  • 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Buttercream:

  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream, room temperature

For Assembling the Cake:

  • Copycat Costco Vanilla Mousse (prepared separately)
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray two 8-inch cake pans with baking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and flavorings.
  3. Add Butter: With an electric mixer on low speed, gradually add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. The mixture will resemble coarse sand; this is normal.
  4. Beat Batter: Continue beating the batter for 1 to 2 minutes to develop texture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  5. Incorporate Egg Whites and Yolks: Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and achieve a light texture. Then beat in the egg yolk followed by the vanilla extract.
  6. Add Buttermilk: On low speed, add the buttermilk in three additions, beating each time for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and smooth.
  7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 26 to 30 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool Cake Layers: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment paper. Wrap and refrigerate if assembling the next day.
  9. Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: Whisk together water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then set aside.
  10. Make Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  11. Add Cornstarch Mixture: Mix in the cornstarch-water mixture thoroughly to help stabilize the frosting.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, scraping the bowl as needed to incorporate fully without a mess.
  13. Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Add salt and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add whole milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired spreading consistency is reached.
  14. Level Cake Layers: If the cake layers have domed tops, carefully level them with a serrated knife to create flat surfaces for stacking.
  15. Assemble the Cake: Place a dollop of frosting onto a cake board and secure the first cake layer. Pipe a frosting ring around the edge of this layer to hold the mousse filling in place, then fill with the Copycat Costco Vanilla Mousse. Top with the second cake layer.
  16. Frost the Cake: Coat the outside of the cake with the buttercream using an offset spatula, smoothing and removing any excess for a clean finish.
  17. Decorate: Garnish the cake with sprinkles as desired. Slice and serve to enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
  • Use cake flour for a tender crumb; do not substitute with all-purpose flour.
  • The cornstarch in the buttercream helps to stabilize it and reduce greasiness.
  • If storing overnight, wrap the cake layers tightly to prevent drying out.
  • The mousse filling recipe should be prepared ahead of time or use a high-quality vanilla mousse to replicate the Costco cake flavor.
  • For a lighter frosting, use more shortening and less butter, but butter adds better flavor.
  • Bring the cake layers to room temperature before assembling for easier handling.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Costco Vanilla Cake, vanilla cake recipe, copycat cake, buttercream frosting, homemade cake, vanilla mousse cake, layered cake

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/copycat-costco-vanilla-cake-recipe/