Best Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
- 3 and 2/3 cups cake flour
433g
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter
softened to room temperature, 345g
- 2 cups granulated sugar
400g
- 3 large eggs + 2 additional egg whites
at room temperature*
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
yes, Tbsp!
- 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
at room temperature*, 360ml
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter
softened to room temperature, 345g
- 5 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
650g
- 1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
80ml
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
- 2
Make the cake: Whisk the cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together. Set aside.
- 3
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the 3 eggs, 2 egg whites, and vanilla extract on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will look curdled as a result of the egg liquid and solid butter combining.) Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients just until combined. With the mixer still running on low, pour in the buttermilk and mix just until combined. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick.
- 4
Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Weigh them to ensure accuracy, if desired. Bake for around 23-26 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
- 5
Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, more milk if frosting is too thick, or an extra pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet.
- 6
Assemble and decorate: Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer and evenly cover the top with about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting. Top with the third cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. I use and recommend an icing spatula to apply the frosting.
- 7
Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.
- 8
Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Best Vanilla Cake
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate classic dessert? This Best Vanilla Cake recipe delivers that beloved, comforting flavor everyone adores, perfect for any celebration or simply a sweet everyday treat. Forget dry, bland cakes – this one promises a truly satisfying experience.
This recipe works by harnessing the power of carefully chosen ingredients to create a rich, tender crumb. With a generous amount of cake flour, you'll achieve a wonderfully fine texture, while the buttermilk works magic to ensure a moist and subtly tangy cake. The secret to its incredible aroma and taste lies in a robust amount of pure vanilla extract, infusing every bite with that signature sweet fragrance.
What you can expect is a truly classic vanilla cake experience. The cake itself will boast a delicate, soft crumb that's rich and buttery. Paired with a luscious, creamy frosting, each forkful is a harmony of sweet, deeply vanilla notes that perfectly balances. This is a celebration-worthy cake that tastes like it came from your favorite bakery, made right in your own kitchen.
For the frosting, you have a choice: use whole milk or heavy cream to achieve your desired richness and consistency. You can also get creative with toppings – a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder can transform the presentation. Keep it simple or dress it up!
This beautiful vanilla cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any moment that calls for a truly comforting dessert. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the perfect indulgence.