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Classic Moist Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A close-up of a moist slice from the amazing vanilla cake recipe, featuring two layers and thick white frosting.
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This is the best vanilla cake recipe for a moist, soft, and fluffy layer cake perfect for birthdays and special occasions. It pairs with a simple, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
  • For Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 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.
  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, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  5. With the mixer on low, gradually add half of the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Add the sour cream and mix briefly. Then, add the remaining wet mixture and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy. Do not overmix.
  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 frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  11. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  12. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk; this helps create a smoother, more uniform batter for a softer crumb.
  • For bakery style results, use clear vanilla extract for a whiter cake, or stick to pure vanilla for a richer flavor.
  • This cake freezes well unfrosted or fully frosted for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy-layers/