Description
This classic vanilla cake recipe yields a moist and tender cake with a perfect balance of sweetness and rich vanilla flavor. Enhanced with a creamy homemade buttercream frosting, it’s an ideal dessert for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- Classic Buttercream Frosting (recipe as per your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy release after baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate lumps and combine evenly. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air to give the cake a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Slowly add the eggs one at a time, waiting about 15 seconds between each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Lower the mixer speed to avoid over-beating.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and whole milk into the batter in small increments, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently on low speed just until combined to keep the batter airy.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully. Once cooled, frost with your preferred classic buttercream frosting for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Check the cake at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking; ovens vary.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and more tender crumb.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal cake temperature reaches about 205°F for perfect doneness.
- Buttercream frosting can be flavored with extracts like almond or lemon for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla cake, classic vanilla cake, buttercream frosting, homemade cake, celebration cake
