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Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cake

A classic Vanilla Cake recipe that’s soft, buttery, and perfectly moist. This easy homemade vanilla birthday cake can be decorated simply with whipped cream or made elegant with buttercream frosting for any celebration.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 ½ cups 310 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup 230 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups 300 g granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240 ml milk or buttermilk
  • Optional: ½ tsp almond extract
  • For Whipped Cream Frosting:
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven:
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  3. Combine dry ingredients:
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream butter and sugar:
  6. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  7. Add eggs and vanilla:
  8. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla (and almond extract if using).
  9. Mix wet and dry:
  10. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  11. Bake:
  12. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  13. Cool and frost:
  14. Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
  15. Make whipped cream frosting:
  16. Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over cooled cake layers.

Notes

  • Always use room-temperature ingredients for a fluffy crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing — it keeps the cake light.
  • Substitute almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.