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Classic Moist Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of vanilla cake recipe layered with thick white buttercream frosting on a white plate.
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You need a reliable, soft, and fluffy vanilla cake recipe perfect for birthdays and special occasions. This recipe delivers a moist crumb every time and pairs beautifully with homemade vanilla buttercream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand. This step helps coat the flour particles for a tender cake.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add half of the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  7. Add the remaining wet ingredients and beat on medium speed for another minute until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
  12. Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the remaining cream only if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and assemble your layer cake.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients (eggs and milk) for the best emulsion and softest crumb.
  • For a bakery style vanilla cake, use clear vanilla extract for a whiter color, though pure vanilla offers superior flavor.
  • You can make this a vanilla sheet cake recipe by baking the batter in a greased and floured 9×13 inch pan for about 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy-easy/