There’s something irresistibly comforting about a slice of classic vanilla cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this moist, tender vanilla cake recipe is sure to hit the spot.
With its light texture and rich vanilla flavor, it’s the perfect cake for any event, from birthdays to family gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be dressed up with frosting, sprinkles, or fresh fruits. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering cake from scratch!
Ingredients List
To create a delicious classic vanilla cake, you’ll need the following simple ingredients that will give you a soft, flavorful cake base:
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for greasing the pans
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Frosting Ingredients:
- 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Pinch of fine salt
- 3 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Garnishes (Optional):
- Ground cinnamon (for a subtle spice twist)
- Fresh strawberries (for a fruity, fresh garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
Before we get started, make sure you have these essential tools in your kitchen for the best results:
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): To easily cream the butter and sugar, and to mix the cake batter smoothly.
- Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: For baking your cakes. Make sure to grease them properly with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture and flavor.
- Spatula: To mix and scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated.
- Cooling Rack: For allowing the cakes to cool down properly before frosting.
Cake Preparation
Making a classic vanilla cake from scratch is easier than you think! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly moist and flavorful cake that will impress everyone.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your cake pans. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and lightly dust them with flour, or you can line them with parchment paper circles for an easy cake removal. Properly preparing the pans will help prevent your cake from sticking, ensuring it comes out easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 stick of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Using your electric mixer (hand or stand), beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 4-5 minutes and helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake its light and airy texture.
Next, add in 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and continue beating until well combined. The oil helps keep the cake moist, creating that tender texture everyone loves.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add the 5 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to use room temperature eggs to achieve a smooth batter. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. This will infuse your cake with a wonderful aroma and flavor. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. The baking powder will help your cake rise, while the salt enhances the overall flavor. Once your dry ingredients are well-combined, gradually add them to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps prevent the batter from becoming too runny or lumpy.
Mix everything together on low speed until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
5. Pour and Smooth the Batter into the Pans
Now that your cake batter is ready, divide it evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure the batter is level in each pan. This will help the cakes bake evenly.
Great! Here’s the third part of the Classic Vanilla Cake recipe:
Baking the Cake and Cooling
The baking process is essential to achieving that perfectly fluffy, golden cake. Let’s walk through the next steps:
1. Bake the Cakes
Place both cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden on top and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should have risen nicely, and the tops should spring back when gently pressed.
Make sure to rotate the pans halfway through the baking time for even results, especially if your oven has hot spots.
2. Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cakes to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the pans. After they’ve cooled, gently run a butter knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes.
Carefully turn the pans upside down to release the cakes and place them back on the wire rack. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial; frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, leaving you with a less-than-perfect finish.
Frosting and Decorating Your Vanilla Cake
Now for the fun part—frosting your beautiful vanilla cake! The smooth, creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the soft, moist cake, creating a sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
1. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
To make the frosting, beat 3 sticks of unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it can blend smoothly with the sugar.
Gradually add 3 1/4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to mix. After each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Once the sugar is fully added, add a pinch of fine salt to balance the sweetness and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for that rich flavor.
Finally, add 1/4 cup of milk and beat the mixture on high speed for another 2-3 minutes. This will make your frosting light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
2. Frost the Cake
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble and frost. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top and apply frosting to the top and sides of the entire cake.
For a smooth, professional-looking finish, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly. You can also pipe decorative borders or rosettes along the edges for a more polished look.
3. Garnish and Serve
For a final touch, sprinkle the top of the cake with ground cinnamon for a subtle, warming flavor. If you prefer a fruity twist, garnish the cake with fresh strawberries, which add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Your Vanilla Cake Fresh
To keep your classic vanilla cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftover frosting, keep it refrigerated and allow it to come to room temperature before reapplying.
Freezing the Cake
If you want to enjoy your vanilla cake at a later time, it can also be frozen. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cake at room temperature and frost as desired.
Conclusion
This classic vanilla cake is a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist, tender crumb and fluffy buttercream frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Making this cake from scratch is easier than you might think, and with the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking—your perfect vanilla cake awaits!
