Description

This classic Vanilla Cake recipe yields moist, tender layers flavored with pure vanilla and perfectly balanced sweetness. Creamy butter, sugar, and eggs combine with flour and baking powder to create a light and fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Finished with a luscious buttercream frosting, this cake is simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting

Classic Buttercream Frosting (prepared as per recipe)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter for a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, spacing each addition about 15 seconds apart, along with the vanilla extract. Lower the mixer speed to low to avoid overmixing.
Incorporate Flour and Milk: Alternately add the sifted flour mixture and the room-temperature whole milk to the butter mixture in small portions. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently to keep the batter smooth and airy.
Pour and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost the layers with Classic Buttercream Frosting as desired.

Notes

Ensure the butter and milk are at room temperature for best mixing results.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a dense cake.
Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
To make Classic Buttercream Frosting, use a simple mixture of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the batter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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