Vanilla Cake Recipe

If there’s one treat guaranteed to make any day brighter, it’s this Vanilla Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of tender, fluffy cake slathered with clouds of Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream—each bite is perfectly balanced, rich yet light, and packed with classic vanilla flavor. From birthdays to spontaneous celebrations, this cake is a joy to make and even better to share. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for that go-to, fuss-free vanilla cake, you’ll find this Vanilla Cake Recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a great Vanilla Cake Recipe starts with just a handful of staple ingredients—each one matters! Together, they create a batter that’s moist, delicate, and flavorful. Here’s what makes them essential for this recipe:

• Flour: The structure of the cake—use all-purpose for sturdiness, and be sure to measure it accurately for a fine crumb.
• White Sugar: Divided between the batter steps for balanced sweetness and tenderness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise up light and tall—don’t skip it!
• Baking Soda: Adds extra lift and ensures the crumb is soft but never dense.
• Salt: Just a bit amps up all the flavors, ensuring the vanilla shines.
• Butter: Room-temperature butter lends richness and that signature velvety texture.
• Eggs: The secret to a stable, moist cake with a lovely golden tint.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and subtle creaminess; don’t substitute with lower-fat options.
• Sour Cream: Extra tang keeps the crumb soft, and the cake more flavorful and tender.
• Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream: This dreamy, silky frosting truly elevates the entire Vanilla Cake Recipe.

How to Make Vanilla Cake Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by adding the flour, half your sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl if you’re using a hand mixer). Giving the dry mix a head start ensures your leaveners and salt are evenly dispersed, which means every bite will be beautifully consistent.

Step 2: Mix in the Butter

With your mixer running on low, begin adding your room-temperature butter about one tablespoon at a time. It’s essential that your butter isn’t cold—soft butter blends in effortlessly, resulting in a mixture that should resemble slightly wet sand with a few pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout.

Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a separate, clean bowl, combine the eggs, the remaining sugar, milk, and sour cream. A quick whisk brings everything together, creating a smooth, rich base that will make your Vanilla Cake Recipe incredibly tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your wet ingredients right into the bowl with the buttery flour mixture. Mix on medium speed for about a minute or two—just enough for everything to come together into a thick, silky batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cake to be airy and light.

Step 5: Prepare and Fill the Cake Pans

Divide the batter evenly between three 6-inch cake pans (lined and greased, of course). If you prefer, you can also use two 8-inch pans—the choice is yours. This step ensures each cake layer bakes up evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake the pans in your preheated 180C or 350F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (no wet batter). Patience pays off here, so let your kitchen fill with that dreamy vanilla aroma.

Step 7: Cool and Level the Cakes

Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in their pans. For a picture-perfect Vanilla Cake Recipe, use a serrated knife to gently trim and level the tops—this helps your layers stack neatly and creates an elegant, bakery-worthy finish.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream

While the cakes cool, whip up your batch of Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream. This rich and fluffy frosting is what takes your Vanilla Cake Recipe from wonderful to wow—be sure to follow your trusted recipe for flawless results.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Start with one cake layer, topping it with a generous 1/3 cup of buttercream. Spread it evenly using an offset spatula, then add the next layer and repeat. For the last layer, flip it upside down so the bottom becomes the beautifully flat top. Cover the entire cake in a smooth coat of buttercream; you might have a little extra for piping decorations or just for sneaking a taste!

Step 10: Chill Before Serving

Pop your finished cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill sets the buttercream, making for clean, gorgeous slices every single time. Now all that’s left is to gather your friends and enjoy!

How to Serve Vanilla Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Vanilla Cake Recipe with a scattering of fresh berries, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or delicate edible flowers for a springtime look. Even a few curls of white chocolate or a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils can add that extra sparkle, depending on the occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of this cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A fruit compote—think strawberries, raspberries, or peaches—will enhance the vanilla notes and add a dash of color to each dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Vanilla Cake Recipe as individual mini cakes by using biscuit cutters, or cut it into cubes for a fun cake trifle layered in glasses with berries and cream. You can even turn leftovers into cake pops for a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container—your Vanilla Cake Recipe will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days, or a few more if refrigerated.

Freezing

Both the frosted and unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving or decorating.

Reheating

If you love a slightly warm slice (especially with ice cream!), pop individual portions into the microwave for 8–10 seconds. Just enough to soften the buttercream and bring out all those comforting vanilla aromas.

FAQs

Can I make this Vanilla Cake Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer works just as well—just mix until your batter comes together and is smooth. Be gentle to avoid tough cake.

How do I know when my cakes are fully baked?

Insert a cake tester or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, your cakes are ready. If any batter sticks, give it a few more minutes.

Can I use different sized cake pans?

Yes, this Vanilla Cake Recipe is pretty flexible! Two 8-inch pans work well if you don’t have three 6-inch pans—just adjust your baking time and keep an eye out for doneness.

What is the best way to get flat cake layers?

Level the cakes after baking with a serrated knife for perfectly stackable layers. To minimize doming, you can also lower the oven temperature slightly and bake a little longer.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Line each pan with parchment paper and grease the sides well with butter or baking spray. This ensures every layer of your Vanilla Cake Recipe slides right out, no stress!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as magical as sharing a homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe with the people you love. If you’ve never baked one from scratch before, give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how rewarding (and delicious) it really is. Here’s to every slice bringing joy, laughter, and maybe a little bit of frosting on your nose!

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