The BEST Vanilla Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about a classic vanilla cake. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes fond memories, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a wedding, or simply a cozy gathering with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite Vanilla Cake Recipe, which has become a staple in my kitchen. Imagine fluffy, golden layers of vanilla goodness paired with a smooth, buttery frosting. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try!

Why This Vanilla Cake is Unforgettable

This isn’t just another vanilla cake recipe—it’s one that will impress with every bite. Here’s why:

• Perfect Texture: Thanks to a well-balanced mix of ingredients and careful preparation, this cake turns out light and airy every time.
• Tangy Twist: Buttermilk (or whole milk) adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the moist and tender crumb.
• Luxurious Buttercream: The Swiss meringue buttercream is not only silky but also less sweet, allowing the vanilla flavor to truly shine.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk, room temperature

What you will need for the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 6 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• Confetti sprinkles
• Nonpareils

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Vanilla Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the dry ingredients by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract as well.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Vanilla Buttercream

1. Whisk together the egg whites and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until combined.
2. Heat the mixture by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water, whisking constantly until the mixture reaches 160°F or is no longer grainy to the touch (about 3 minutes).
3. Whip the meringue on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form and the bowl is cool to the touch (about 5-10 minutes).
4. Switch to the paddle attachment and slowly add cubed butter, mixing until smooth. If the buttercream looks curdled, keep mixing—it will come together!
5. Add the vanilla extract and whip until the buttercream is silky and smooth.

Assembling the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of buttercream evenly on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream. Chill the cake for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it out with a bench scraper.
4. Decorate with sprinkles by mixing confetti and nonpareils together, then gently pressing them along the bottom of the cake. Sprinkle a few on top for an extra festive touch. To achieve a speckled effect, toss sprinkles randomly onto the sides.
5. Finish with rosettes: Using a 1M piping tip, pipe rosettes on the top of the cake with any leftover buttercream.

Pro Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the flour and buttermilk, mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain the cake’s light texture.
• Swiss Meringue Buttercream Troubleshooting: If your buttercream appears too soft, it may be too warm—chill it briefly and whip again. If it looks curdled, keep mixing until it smooths out.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla cake is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments:

• Fresh berries or a berry compote
• A chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. When ready to serve, just thaw and frost.

Can this recipe be used for cupcakes?
Yes! This recipe yields about 24 standard cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can use whole milk or create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Conclusion

I’m thrilled for you to try this vanilla cake recipe—it’s a surefire winner! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your home. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experiences in the comments below, and feel free to ask any questions. Happy baking! 🎂

love this recipe? save it for later and enjoy your summer treats!

More Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you loved this Vanilla Cake Recipe, I’ve got more mouthwatering desserts that you’ll want to try next!

• Irresistible Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes: These decadent cakes are perfect for chocolate lovers. With a gooey, molten center, they’re a must-try for your next special occasion!
• Desserts & Sweets Collection: Explore a variety of sweet treats, from cookies to pies, in my Desserts & Sweets collection. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Don’t miss out on these delicious recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your baking repertoire!

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Whip up this delicious Vanilla Cake Recipe and relish every moist, vanilla-rich bite! If you make this cake, be sure to leave a review and share your stunning photos on Pinterest. Happy baking!