Description
This easy vanilla cake recipe delivers a soft, fluffy, and moist crumb perfect for any celebration. It is a classic homemade cake that tastes like bakery style quality.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened 1/2 cup of butter, eggs, milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting: Beat the 1/2 cup of softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the heavy cream until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Notes
- For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- This recipe makes a fantastic base for a birthday cake; feel free to add colorful sprinkles before serving.
- If you want a richer flavor, substitute buttermilk for the whole milk.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg