Name: Vanilla Cake Recipe: Fluffy and Timeless
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Vanilla Cake:; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; Vanilla Buttercream:; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp heavy cream or milk; Optional: Sprinkles (berries); Suggested Pairings: Coffee (lemonade)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Vanilla Cake is a classic, versatile dessert, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or family gatherings. This fluffy, tender cake, paired with a rich vanilla buttercream, delivers a timeless flavor that’s both comforting and elegant. Presented on a white ceramic platter, adorned with smooth frosting and optional sprinkles or fresh berries, this cake offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any occasion. This recipe provides a classic version, adaptable for dietary preferences, and ideal for home bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing, customizable dessert that celebrates the simple joy of vanilla.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

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

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract
2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Serving:

Optional: Rainbow sprinkles, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, whipped cream
Suggested Pairings: Coffee, sparkling lemonade
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans, electric mixer, mixing bowls, spatula, cooling rack, offset spatula

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. Taste a small pinch of the batter and adjust the sweetness (add 1 tbsp sugar) or flavor (add 1/4 tsp vanilla) for a balanced flavor.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Bake Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 2 tbsp heavy cream; beat until fluffy, adding more cream if needed for spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust the sweetness (add 1 tbsp powdered sugar) or flavor (add 1/4 tsp vanilla).
Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a white ceramic platter. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides. Smooth with an offset spatula.
Serve: Garnish with sprinkles or fresh berries. Serve slices on a white ceramic platter, paired with fresh fruit, coffee, or sparkling lemonade.

Tips for Better Vanilla Cake

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smooth batter and even baking.
Taste the batter and frosting before baking or frosting to balance sweetness and vanilla, as extracts vary.
Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid a dense cake.
Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding layers.
Use a white ceramic platter for an elegant presentation that highlights vibrant garnishes.
Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes for easier slicing and cleaner cuts.
Make ahead: Bake cakes and store wrapped in the fridge for 1 day; frost before serving.
Enhance aesthetic: Present on a white ceramic platter with colorful sprinkles or berries for a festive, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Vegan Vanilla Cake: Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce plus 1 tsp baking soda, and milk with almond milk; use vegan buttercream (vegan butter, plant-based milk).
Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Low-Sugar Vanilla Cake: Reduce granulated sugar to 1 cup and powdered sugar to 3 cups; use a sugar substitute like stevia (adjust to taste).
Chocolate Chip Vanilla Cake: Fold 1 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter; top with chocolate ganache instead of buttercream.
Lemon Vanilla Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the batter; use lemon extract in the frosting.
Berry Vanilla Cake: Layer 1/2 cup fresh raspberry or strawberry jam between cake layers; garnish with matching berries.
Spiced Vanilla Cake: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the batter for a warm flavor.
Funfetti Vanilla Cake: Fold 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles into the batter; decorate with extra sprinkles.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Serve at room temperature for a tender texture; avoid keeping at room temperature for over 2 hours due to the dairy content.
Use leftovers in trifle layers with fruit and whipped cream or crumble for parfait toppings.
Pair with fresh fruit or coffee to complement the sweet, creamy flavor.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with vibrant garnishes for a festive, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings (1 slice each with buttercream):

Calories: 460 kcal
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 42g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in sugar and fat; try low-sugar or vegan versions. Pair with fruit for balance.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Cake recipe offers a fluffy, timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a celebratory classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The tender crumb, rich buttercream, and colorful garnishes delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its versatile, joyful appeal.