The moment I slice into a warm, freshly baked Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting, it feels like a celebration. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet vanilla and buttery bliss, enveloped in a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. I discovered this heavenly treat after rummaging through my pantry one lazy afternoon, compelled by the urge to create something indulgent yet simple.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a Friday night treat, this cake turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Its versatility is truly unmatched—it can be adorned with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate, or simply enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee.
As I share this recipe with you, know that it comes with the promise of joy and satisfaction, perfect for those tired of fast food and looking for comfort in homemade goodness. Let’s whip up this masterpiece together, because you deserve a slice of happiness!
Why is Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting irresistible?
Sumptuous flavors: The rich taste of Heilala Pure Vanilla Extract infuses this cake with a delightful aroma that lingers.
Easy to make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can master this cake, making it perfect for all skill levels.
Beautifully layered: The frosted layers create visual appeal, turning your dessert into a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Versatile delight: Dress it up with fresh fruit or keep it classic; this cake adapts to any celebration or simply a cozy night in.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a timeless favorite that brings smiles to family and friends, proving to be the star of any gathering.
Try it out for yourself and experience the magic of this indulgent treat!
Vanilla Layer Cake Ingredients
• To create your delightful Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting, gather these essential components!
For the Cake
- Unsalted butter – 1¼ cups (284 grams), softened; this is your base for a rich, moist texture.
- Granulated sugar – 2½ cups (500 grams); brings sweetness to complement the vanilla.
- Large eggs – 5 (250 grams), room temperature; helps to create a fluffy crumb.
- Heilala Pure Vanilla Extract – 1½ tablespoons (19.5 grams); the star of your dessert, enhancing every bite with rich flavor.
- Unbleached cake flour – 3¾ cups (469 grams); ensures a light and tender crumb that’s perfect for layering.
- Baking powder – 1¾ teaspoons (8.75 grams); provides the necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
- Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon (3 grams); balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams); works in harmony with the buttermilk to help your cake rise.
- Whole buttermilk – 1½ cups (360 grams), room temperature; adds moisture and a slight tang for depth in flavor.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted butter – 2 cups (454 grams), softened; crucial for a creamy, spreadable frosting.
- Kosher salt – ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams); adds a subtle contrast to the sweetness of the frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar – 1 (2-pound) bag (907 grams); sweetens your frosting to perfection and gives it a luscious texture.
- Heavy whipping cream – ½ cup (120 grams); adds richness and helps create a fluffy consistency in your frosting.
- Heilala Pure Vanilla Bean Paste – 1 tablespoon (18 grams); infuses your frosting with delightful vanilla specks for an elegant look.
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the delicious process of creating your own homemade slice of heaven!
How to Make Vanilla Layer Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray that includes flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
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Beat butter and sugar together in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix at medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy—remember to scrape the sides of the bowl for even mixing. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, beat in the creamy vanilla extract.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients—cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda—in a large bowl. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour. Beat until everything is just combined; avoid overmixing for the best texture.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a small offset spatula to smooth the tops and gently tap the pans on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles lurking below the surface.
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Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully removing them to cool completely on wire racks, parchment side down.
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Level the cake layers if desired and remove the parchment. Place one layer of cake on your serving plate. Spoon 2½ cups (about 496 grams) of Creamy Vanilla Frosting into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch round piping tip (like Wilton 1A), and pipe an even layer of frosting on top. Smooth with your spatula and add the second cake layer on top.
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Pipe another 2½ cups (about 496 grams) of frosting evenly over the top of the cake, smoothing it into an even layer with your spatula.
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Frost the sides of the cake by piping the remaining frosting all around. Use a bench scraper or a large offset spatula held against the sides to scrape off the excess frosting until the sides are smooth and the layers underneath are slightly visible.
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Decorate the top with the excess frosting. Use the back of a spoon or your spatula to spread and swirl it as creatively as you wish. For a final touch, smooth the sides one last time with your bench scraper.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Vanilla Layer Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a better emulsification, resulting in a fluffier Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting.
- Precise Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for accurate ingredient quantities, especially in baking. It helps avoid the common mistake of dense cake due to improper ingredient ratios.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, detracting from the cake’s natural fluffiness.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. If they’re too warm, the frosting may melt and slide off, causing a messy presentation.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the frosting’s thickness by adding more heavy cream for a lighter texture or more confectioners’ sugar for a firmer frosting; find the right balance for easy spreading.
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Layer Cake
- Room Temperature: Store the cake wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh flavor and moist texture.
- Fridge: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s properly covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from your fridge.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, or in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds, checking in between until just warmed through. Enjoy the delicious Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting as if it were freshly baked!
Vanilla Layer Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your Vanilla Layer Cake as you please, sparking joy in every slice!
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Chocolate Swirl: Add 1 cup of cocoa powder to half the batter, creating a delightful marbled effect that’s both beautiful and delicious.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of 1 lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing twist to your frosting and cake layers.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Fruit-Filled Layers: Add a layer of jam or fresh fruit between the cake layers for a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting.
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Spicy Surprise: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy note that elevates the vanilla flavor.
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Almond Infusion: Replace half the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, aromatic twist that adds depth to your cake.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your frosted cake with a drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, adding a sweet and sticky finish that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap out the vanilla frosting for a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting for a delightful and zesty palate cleanser!
Let your taste buds guide you, and enjoy the delicious journey of crafting your perfect Vanilla Layer Cake!
What to Serve with Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting?
Indulging in a slice of this delightful cake opens the door to endless pairing possibilities that elevate your dessert experience.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries cuts through the cake’s sweetness, adding a refreshing balance.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream enhances the fluffy texture, making each bite feel luxuriously decadent.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce brings a delightful contrast to the vanilla, creating an exciting flavor journey.
- Ice Cream: Scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream complement the cake beautifully, making every gathering feel special and indulgent.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages with a hint of citrus or herbal notes pair impeccably and cleanse the palate between bites.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee amplify the sweetness of the cake, creating a comforting synergy perfect for a cozy evening.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds a light, healthy touch, brightening up your dessert table while enhancing the overall experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice adds a sweet, buttery richness that transforms the cake into a gourmet pleasure.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting ahead of time is a wonderful way to save precious minutes on busy weekdays! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance—just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The frosting can also be made up to 2 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. Make sure to take the frosting out about 30 minutes before icing the cake to let it soften. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the cakes and frost them, giving you that delightful, just-baked taste with minimal effort!
Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Vanilla Layer Cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your eggs should ideally be at room temperature; bringing them out about 30 minutes before baking is perfect. When it comes to butter, it should be softened but not melted—this helps achieve that fluffy, light cake texture. Double-check your vanilla extract—look for pure extracts without additives for the richest flavor in your Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting.
How should I store my Vanilla Layer Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s frosted, refrigerating it can extend its life to about 5 days. Just be sure to cover it properly; otherwise, it may dry out or absorb unwanted fridge odors.
Can I freeze my Vanilla Layer Cake?
Yes! Freezing is a great way to keep your cake delicious for longer. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving them. This method ensures that your cake remains moist and flavorful!
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
No worries! Cake sinking can happen for a few reasons, often due to underbaking or not having enough structure in the batter. Ensure you’ve accurately measured your ingredients and baked the cake until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. If the cake has already sunk, you can make a delicious frosting swirl on top to creatively cover it up—it’ll still be tasty!
Are there any dietary concerns I should consider when making Vanilla Layer Cake?
Certainly! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, you can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk or coconut cream. Use egg replacers if needed, such as flax eggs or applesauce. Always check labels on vanilla extracts or frosting ingredients to ensure they’re allergy-friendly. It’s great to see how baking can adapt to different diets!
How long can I keep my Vanilla Layer Cake in the freezer?
Your cake can be safely frozen for up to 3 months! To ensure the best quality, tightly wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight for a delicious, homemade dessert that tastes like it just came out of the oven!
Irresistible Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray that includes flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and sugar together in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for about 3 to 4 minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated, then beat in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Gradually mix this into the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the flour. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and gently tap the pans on the counter.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Level the cake layers if desired. Place one layer on your serving plate and pipe an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer.
- Pipe frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Decorate the top with excess frosting and smooth the sides with a bench scraper for a perfect finish.