A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

Oh, my dears, there’s just something truly magical about a perfectly baked vanilla cake, isn’t there? It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a canvas for celebration, a comforting hug in cake form, and the star of so many cherished memories. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy – a bake that truly lives up to its name, promising tender crumb and a delightful, sweet vanilla essence that transports you straight to happier times.

I can still close my eyes and feel the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of vanilla always lingering in the air as she taught me the gentle art of creaming butter and sugar. Years of experimenting, learning from countless trials (and a few delicious errors!), have led me back to this fundamental truth: the simplest recipes, made with love, are often the most rewarding. This recipe is a culmination of that journey, refined to perfection.

This isn’t just any cake; it’s wonderfully approachable for bakers of all levels and perfect for any occasion, from quiet family dinners to grand birthday parties. My top tip? Always use good quality vanilla extract; it makes all the difference in truly highlighting the beautiful simplicity of this cake.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful cake means gathering a few simple, wholesome ingredients from your pantry, like all-purpose flour for that tender crumb and rich unsalted butter for flavor. I always reach for whole milk and pure vanilla extract; they truly elevate A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy to something extraordinary. You’ll find the full list of measurements in the recipe card just below!

How to Make A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

Making A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy is a joyful journey, starting with creaming butter and sugar until light and airy, then gradually incorporating eggs and vanilla. Next, you’ll alternate adding dry and wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Bake until golden and fragrant, then allow it to cool completely before generously frosting with our luscious vanilla buttercream.

Classic Moist and Fluffy Vanilla Cake

This classic vanilla cake recipe delivers a perfectly moist and incredibly fluffy crumb, ideal for any celebration. Paired with a luscious vanilla buttercream, it’s a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and universally loved.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour sifted
• 1 3/4 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter 2 sticks, room temperature, softened
• 4 Large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup Whole milk room temperature
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter 3 sticks, room temperature, softened
• 4-5 cups Powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp Heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 tsp Salt

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment Paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Spatula
• Wire Rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Method

 

For the Cake

1. Preheat 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 sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting.

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add heavy cream (or milk) 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Assembly

1. Once cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top of the first layer.
3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, using an offset spatula or knife to smooth it out. Decorate as desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, emulsified batter and prevents curdling, leading to a more tender and consistent cake. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making This A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

Over my many years of baking, I’ve picked up a few little secrets that make all the difference, especially when creating something as beloved as A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy. Here are some of my go-to pieces of advice to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every single time.

Achieving Perfect Textures

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before I start. This ensures they emulsify beautifully, giving you that incredibly smooth batter and a truly moist and fluffy crumb for your classic vanilla cake. It’s a small step that yields big results!

Baking Made Easy

When measuring flour, I always spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing, which can lead to a dense, dry cake. For A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy, a light hand with the flour makes all the difference!

Don’t Rush the Cooling

Patience is a virtue in baking, especially with cakes! Resist the urge to frost a warm cake; it will melt your beautiful buttercream. Allow your cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack—I usually give them at least an hour or two, or even cool them in the fridge for a short while to speed it up.

Fun Variations for A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

One of the most wonderful things about A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy is how beautifully it lends itself to creative twists! It’s a fantastic base for all sorts of flavor adventures, letting your imagination run wild in the kitchen.

Seasonal Berry Delight

For a taste of summer, I love folding in a cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter just before baking. Top it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple whipped cream for an elegant touch. My sister always asks for this version when berries are in season!

Citrus Zest Surprise

If you fancy a brighter flavor, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter. The citrus beautifully complements the vanilla, giving your classic vanilla cake a delightful, fresh zing that’s unexpected and utterly delicious.

Chocolate Chip Swirl

For the chocolate lovers out there (and who isn’t one?), gently fold in a half-cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter. A friend absolutely adores when I make this variation, creating tiny pockets of melted chocolate throughout the moist, fluffy cake.

What to Serve With A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

There’s something so comforting about serving a slice of cake, and A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy pairs beautifully with so many simple accompaniments. It’s all about enhancing that delightful vanilla flavor and making it a truly special experience.

I love serving this cake with a generous scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream; the double vanilla is just divine! A bowl of fresh mixed berries, perhaps macerated with a touch of sugar, also provides a lovely contrast in texture and a hint of tartness. In the colder months, my mom always pairs it with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, creating the coziest dessert moment. For a quick serving idea, a simple drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream elevates this classic vanilla cake without much fuss.

How to Store A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy

Ensuring your A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy stays as delicious as the day you baked it is simple with a few smart storage tips. You’ve put so much love into it, so let’s keep it fresh!

Keeping it Fresh in the Fridge

Leftover cake with buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I find that storing cakes in an airtight container is my favorite way to keep them incredibly moist and prevent them from drying out. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing for Later

If you want to enjoy this cake much later, individual slices or unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and if it’s unfrosted, simply frost it fresh!

Nutritional Benefits

While it’s certainly a sweet indulgence, A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy also offers moments of pure joy and satisfaction. Made with wholesome ingredients like real butter and eggs, it’s a treat that, in moderation, connects us to the simple pleasures of homemade goodness, a cornerstone of my philosophy at recipesdessert.net.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble your lovely A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy.

Faq 2

What kind of vanilla extract is best?
I always recommend using pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and deep vanilla flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla if possible, as it can have an artificial taste that won’t do justice to your A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy.

Faq 3

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can! While whole milk gives the best richness and moisture, you can use 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be aware the texture of your A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy might vary slightly.

Faq 4

How can I make sure my cake is truly fluffy?
The key to a fluffy cake is not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Mix just until combined. Also, ensuring your baking powder is fresh is crucial for that lovely rise and light texture in your A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy.

Conclusion

Baking A Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Moist and Fluffy is more than just following steps; it’s about infusing a little bit of your heart into every ingredient, creating something truly special that brings smiles and gathers loved ones around the table. I encourage you to embrace the warmth and nostalgia of your kitchen, share this beautiful cake, and create your own sweet memories. Happy baking, my friends!