Moist and Fluffy Vanilla Cake That Never Fails to Impress
Sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying—especially when it comes to a perfectly baked vanilla cake. Light, buttery, and soft with every bite, this cake is the kind of classic you’ll find yourself baking for birthdays, brunches, or just because. It’s tender, versatile, and the ideal canvas for frosting, fruit, or enjoying as-is with a fork and a smile.
Why This Vanilla Cake Works
This cake is all about balance: enough butter to keep it rich, just the right amount of sugar for sweetness, and a soft crumb that holds its shape without feeling dense. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers on flavor with every slice.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the Frosting (Simple Vanilla Buttercream):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Combine
Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk and sour cream. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it.
5. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust with more milk or sugar as needed.
7. Assemble
Once cakes are completely cool, layer with frosting. Frost the outside and decorate as desired—with sprinkles, fruit, or a simple swirl.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and even rise.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added—this keeps the cake light.
- Freeze the cake layers for 15 minutes before frosting to reduce crumbs.
Serving Ideas
- Dress it up with berries and whipped cream
- Keep it classic with sprinkles or edible flowers
- Swap vanilla frosting for chocolate or cream cheese for a twist
Final Thoughts
Vanilla cake doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to be done right. This recipe gives you the soft, fluffy, bakery-style cake everyone hopes for, with the kind of simple flavor that speaks for itself.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
