Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Elevate your baking game with this **Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting**, a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy treat at home. Featuring tender, moist layers of vanilla-flavored cake, this recipe combines the warmth of pure vanilla extract with the rich creaminess of a buttery homemade frosting. The simple yet elegant buttercream, made with powdered sugar and a touch of heavy cream, spreads effortlessly over the cake for a luscious finish. With straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients like all-purpose flour, eggs, and whole milk, this cake is as approachable as it is delicious. Ideal for celebrations or as an indulgent everyday dessert, this vanilla layer cake is a showstopper that strikes the perfect balance between classic flavors and homemade charm. Serve it on its own, or get creative with your favorite decorations to make it extra special!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 units large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Add more heavy cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate the cake as desired and serve. Enjoy your homemade vanilla layer cake with creamy buttercream frosting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8559 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 428.8 g | 550% | |
| Saturated Fat | 262.3 g | 1312% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1851 mg | 617% | |
| Sodium | 2799 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1137.2 g | 414% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 888.2 g | ||
| Protein | 71.0 g | 142% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.9 mcg | 55% | |
| Calcium | 708 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 1266 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
