The VERY BEST Homemade Vanilla Cake

Name: The VERY BEST Homemade Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Discover the secret to a moist and fluffy vanilla cake that will become your go-to recipe for all occasions.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T17:22:20.755Z

This vanilla cake recipe has been passed down through generations, cherished for its tender crumb and rich flavor. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just a sweet treat any day of the week!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, buttery flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth
Fluffy and moist texture that pairs well with any frosting
Versatile enough to be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed simply

      

The Perfect Base for Any Celebration

This homemade vanilla cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration waiting to happen! Whether you’re commemorating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a Saturday afternoon, this cake serves as the perfect foundation for any festive occasion. Its rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture create a delightful experience in every bite, leaving your guests wanting more. Pair it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain; the possibilities are endless.

What sets this cake apart is its versatility. You can easily dress it up with fresh fruits, sprinkles, or edible flowers for a more elegant touch. Alternatively, keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more laid-back dessert. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake will surely impress and satisfy.

Ingredient Quality Matters

When making this vanilla cake, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role. Opt for high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to elevate the cake's natural flavors. Fresh eggs and whole milk also contribute to the moistness and richness of the cake, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.

Additionally, using all-purpose flour and baking powder that are not expired will ensure that your cake rises perfectly and achieves that fluffy texture. Investing in quality ingredients is a simple yet effective way to make a significant difference in your baking results.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this vanilla cake, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision, especially with flour and sugar. Also, remember to bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting; this allows for better incorporation and helps create that light, airy texture.

Another essential tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mixing until just combined will help maintain the cake's airy structure. Lastly, always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean for perfectly baked layers.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with your favorite frosting.

For best results, let the frosted cake sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storing Your Vanilla Cake

Once your cake is baked and cooled, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness. If you plan to enjoy it within a couple of days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful.

For longer storage, consider wrapping the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. This way, you can preserve its taste and texture for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.

Common FAQs

One common question is whether this cake can be made in advance. Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time and store them as mentioned previously. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to develop further, enhancing the overall taste.

Another frequent query is regarding substitutions. If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. While the texture may vary slightly, the cake will still turn out delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for whole milk?

You can use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk alternative, but this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

→ How can I make the cake chocolate flavored?

You can replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version.