The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe (Soft, Fluffy & Foolproof!)

Sydney
Jul 6
1 min read

There’s nothing more classic than a slice of soft, fluffy vanilla cake—and after years of baking, I can confidently say this is the vanilla cake recipe you’ll want to save forever. It’s light, buttery, full of rich vanilla flavor, and pairs perfectly with just about any frosting or filling.

Why This Is My Favorite Vanilla Cake Recipe

I’ve tested so many vanilla cakes over the years, but this one has a special place in my heart. When I first started baking at home, I could never find a recipe that turned out just right—either they were too dry, too dense, or lacked flavor. But after countless trial runs (and more bowls of batter than I can count), I finally landed on this version.

The first time I made this cake for my family, my daughter had her tiny hands covered in sprinkles, and we both couldn't stop sneaking bites straight from the cooling rack. It was one of those simple, sweet moments that made me fall even more in love with baking. Now, this vanilla cake makes an appearance at almost every birthday, celebration, or just because kind of day in our house.

What Makes This Vanilla Cake the Best

Soft and fluffy crumb

Rich, buttery vanilla flavor

Moist, but never heavy

Simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen

Perfect for layering, decorating, or enjoying plain

Cool is Key

Make sure your butter is room temp but not melted. and that your cake layers are completely cool or even cold before you frost or your frosting might slip off.

Ingredients Matter

Make sure you are using fresh ingredients and that your baking powder is "alive". Real butter is used and if your substitute with margarine the recipe may come out different.

Notes

Preheat oven to 350F and line two 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper. Spray the sides with cake release spray and set them aside. In a bowl whisk together baking powder, flour and salt and set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment mix together the softened butter and sugar for 3 minutes or until it is light in color. Scrape the bowl before adding in the vanilla and eggs and mixing for 2 more minutes. Scrape the bowl periodically.

Turn the mixer on the slowest speed and add the flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time alternating with the buttermilk. Once the buttermilk and flour is added remove the bowl from the mixer and fold out any lumps (important to fold to avoid overmixing)

Divide the batter evenly into the greased pans and bake at 350F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack and cooling for at least 1 hour. ( I prefer to wrap the cake in plastic wrap and cool in the fridge overnight but as long as they are cool inside they are good to frost)

Make the frosting: In a stand mixer or with hand mixer cream together the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Slowly add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once combined add the vanilla and heavy cream. Mix on high for 3 minutes or until the frosting has lightened in color and thickened. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until the cake is cooled.

When your cake has cooled, slice each layer in half (creating four even layers) . Layer the cake and frosting finishing with covering the cake completely. top the cake off with sprinkles or your favorite decor. Slice and enjoy!

Instructions

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temp)

3 large eggs (room temp)

1 tbsp vanilla

1 cup buttermilk

For the cake

2 Cups (4 sticks) of softened unsalted butter

1/4 tsp salt

6-8 Cups of powdered sugar

1/4 cup of heavy cream

2 tsp Vanilla extract

For the frosting

The BEST Vanilla Cake

Sprinklemesyd

average rating is 5 out of 5

If you’ve been searching for the perfect homemade vanilla cake, your quest ends here! This recipe gives you a soft, moist, and fluffy vanilla cake with rich, buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s simple to make, uses basic pantry staples, and bakes up beautifully every single time. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just craving a slice of classic comfort, this vanilla cake is your new go-to.

Servings :

Calories:

Prep Time

20 min

Cooking Time

30 min

Cool Time

1 hr

Total Time

1 hour 50 min