Best Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 3.67 cups 3 and 2/3 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.75 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large 3 large eggs
- 2 large 2 additional egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
For the frosting
- 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 5.5 cups 5 and 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1.5 teaspoons 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, and then grease the parchment paper.
- Whisk together cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Mixing the Batter
- Beat butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in eggs, egg whites, and vanilla extract until combined.
- With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients, then buttermilk. Mix until combined.
Baking
- Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely in pans.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy.
- Add confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes, adjusting sugar, milk, or salt as needed.
Assembly
- Slice a thin layer off the tops of cakes.
- Place one layer on a plate, cover with 1 and 1/2 cups frosting. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Spread remaining frosting on top and sides.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour.
Notes
introduction
This Best Vanilla Cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake fits the bill.
why make this recipe
Making this Best Vanilla Cake is easy, and the results are sure to impress! With its airy texture and buttery flavor, it serves as a wonderful base for any frosting or filling. Plus, it will satisfy both kids and adults, making it a favorite for family gatherings.
how to make Best Vanilla Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 and 2/3 cups cake flour buy it here
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature buy it here
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 additional egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract buy it here
- 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting) buy it here
- 5 and 1/2 cups confectioners sugar buy it here
- 1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper.
- Whisk together cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, egg whites, and vanilla extract until combined. With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients, then buttermilk. Mix until combined.
- Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely in pans.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes, adjusting sugar, milk, or salt as needed.
- Slice a thin layer off the tops of cakes. Place one layer on a plate, cover with 1 and 1/2 cups frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Spread remaining frosting on top and sides.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour.
how to serve Best Vanilla Cake
This cake is delicious on its own but can be served with fresh fruit, a scoop of ice cream, or additional frosting for an extra special treat. Pair it with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon dessert.
how to store Best Vanilla Cake
To store, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly and placing it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
tips to make Best Vanilla Cake
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light cake texture.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
variation (if any)
For chocolate lovers, you can swap a cup of cake flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate vanilla cake. You can also add lemon or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ, include external and Amazon affiliate links)
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but cake flour gives a lighter texture. For a substitute, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour and remove 2 tablespoons to mimic cake flour’s lower protein content. For more details, check out this link from Bon Appétit. -
What is the difference between butter and margarine in cake recipes?
Butter adds a creamier texture and richer flavor, while margarine can create a different texture. If you decide to use margarine, choose a stick version for best results. More information can be found here: Healthline. -
How can I make my cake rise better?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as old leavening agents can cause cakes to be dense. Additionally, do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. Visit Serious Eats for additional tips.
