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The Best Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Silky Buttercream Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of three-layer vanilla cake recipe with thick white buttercream frosting.
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This recipe delivers a perfectly moist, soft, and fluffy homemade vanilla layer cake, ideal for birthdays and celebrations. It pairs beautifully with a creamy, silky vanilla buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for moistness)
  • For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until combined.
  5. With the mixer on low, gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is smooth.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the silky vanilla buttercream: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  11. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  12. Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers.

Notes

  • Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before starting; this helps create a smoother batter.
  • Use high-quality pure vanilla extract to achieve a rich vanilla flavor.
  • For extra soft cake layers, sift your dry ingredients together.
  • If you prefer a sheet cake, use a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the baking time to approximately 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy-buttercream/