Description
A simple recipe for a soft, fluffy, and moist vanilla layer cake paired with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat until smooth, adding more liquid if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps create a smoother batter and a more even crumb.
- For extra vanilla flavor, use clear vanilla extract if you want a pure white cake, or use high-quality pure vanilla extract for a slightly off-white color and richer taste.
- You can make this recipe as a sheet cake by using a 9×13 inch pan; increase the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg