If you’ve been searching for a reliable, go-to vanilla cake recipe, look no further! After testing multiple versions, I’ve finally found the perfect one—soft, moist, and full of rich vanilla flavor. This is the ultimate vanilla cake recipe that deserves a spot in your baking collection!
If you love this version, you might also enjoy my other variations, such as my egg-white-only vanilla cake or my single-serve and bite-sized options. And for chocolate lovers, don’t miss my decadent chocolate version!
This is the same recipe featured in my “Perfect Vanilla Cake” post. Be sure to check it out for additional tips to guarantee perfect results every time.
Why This Vanilla Cake Recipe Works
- Uses the classic 1-2-3-4 method (1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, 4 eggs) with slight adjustments for the best texture.
- Cake flour ensures a delicate crumb and soft texture.
- Balanced sweetness with just the right amount of sugar.
- Simple pantry ingredients for an easy yet impressive homemade cake.
Ingredients for Vanilla Cake
To achieve the best results, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter – Unsalted and softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar works best.
- Eggs – Whole eggs for structure and richness.
- Vanilla – High-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Flour – Cake flour for a tender crumb.
- Leavening – Baking powder for a perfect rise.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Milk – Whole milk or buttermilk for moisture.
How to Make a Cake from Scratch
Making this vanilla cake is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients and Oven
- Set out butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature (about 1 hour before baking).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
How to Make the Best Vanilla Frosting
This cake pairs perfectly with my favorite vanilla buttercream frosting. Follow these steps for a silky, smooth finish:
Ingredients for Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
Frosting Instructions
- Beat the butter until creamy and pale (about 5 minutes).
- Gradually mix in half the powdered sugar, then the remaining half.
- Add vanilla and salt, then slowly mix in heavy cream.
- Beat until smooth, adding more cream if needed for the right consistency.
Assembling the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread ⅓ of the frosting over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Slice and enjoy!
FAQs for Vanilla Cake
Can I use 3 8-inch pans instead of 2 9-inch pans?
Yes! The recipe works for 3 8-inch pans or even 24 cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How can I make this cake at high altitude?
A reader at 5,000 feet recommended these adjustments:
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
How do I keep my cake moist?
- Use room-temperature ingredients.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Check doneness early using a toothpick.
Try These Other Delicious Cakes!
- Moist Vanilla Cake
- Homemade White Cake
- The Best Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Enjoy baking and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive a free e-cookbook filled with reader-favorite recipes! Happy baking!
Basic Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (330 g) cake flour
- 2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (339 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 5 ½ cups (660 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Add half of the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low until moistened, then increase speed and beat until smooth.
- Repeat with the remaining sugar.
- Add vanilla, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread ⅓ of the frosting evenly over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
- Slice and enjoy!
Let me know if you’d like any changes! 😊