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Fluffy vanilla cake with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting on a white cake stand

Vanilla Cake Recipe


  • Author: Louna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vanilla cake recipe is the ultimate go-to for bakers of all levels. With its rich vanilla flavor, soft crumb, and fluffy texture, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday treats. Made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients, this cake comes together quickly and yields bakery-style results every time. Whether you’re layering it for a party or serving it plain with coffee, its buttery richness and moist interior will win over every guest. Plus, it adapts beautifully into cupcakes, sheet cakes, or Bundt pans — making it one of the most versatile cake recipes you’ll ever try. Ready to bake something sweet and unforgettable? This fluffy vanilla cake is your new kitchen staple.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour)

  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp kosher salt

  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 1 ½ cups caster sugar (or granulated sugar)

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 3 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 3 tsp vegetable or canola oil

  • Vanilla Buttercream:

    • 2 sticks (225g) unsalted butter, softened

    • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted

    • 3 tsp vanilla extract

    • 24 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) or 320°F (160°C fan). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  • Beat eggs on medium-high speed for 30 seconds, then gradually add the sugar over 45 seconds while beating. Continue mixing until the mixture triples in volume and becomes pale and airy (around 7 minutes).

  • While eggs are whipping, heat milk and butter in a microwave-safe jug for 2 minutes, or until butter melts. Add vanilla and oil to the hot mixture.

  • Gently fold one-third of the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Repeat twice more until just combined.

  • Mix about 1½ cups of the egg mixture into the milk-butter mixture. Whisk until smooth and foamy.

  • Slowly pour this back into the main egg batter while mixing on low speed. Stir until combined.

  • Divide the batter between the pans. Tap each pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

  • Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto racks.

  • To make the buttercream, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until desired texture is reached.

  • Frost once cakes are completely cool. Level layers if needed for a neater finish.

Notes

  • For an extra-moist result, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.

  • Want to make cupcakes? This easy vanilla cake recipe yields about 24 standard cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes.

  • Store frosted cake at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: vanilla cake recipe, fluffy vanilla cake, moist vanilla cake, easy vanilla cake recipe, vanilla buttercream cake, classic vanilla cake, birthday cake recipe