This fluffy vanilla cake recipe is a great base for all kinds of layer cakes. It is made with simple ingredients, including buttermilk for a moist and tender crumb, and a full tablespoon of vanilla extract for a rich flavor. The cake can be frosted and decorated as desired, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beating until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Once the cakes are cool, frost and decorate as desired.
Tips:
- For a richer vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract.
- To make a chocolate cake, simply substitute 1/2 cup of cocoa powder for 1/2 cup of the flour.
- To make sure the cakes are evenly cooked, rotate the pans halfway through baking.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can cream together the butter and sugar and beat in the eggs and vanilla by hand. Just be sure to mix until the batter is light and fluffy.
- To make a double batch of buttercream frosting, simply double the recipe for your favorite buttercream frosting recipe.
- For a fun and festive cake, top it with sprinkles, candy, or fresh fruit.
Enjoy!
