Vanilla Cake With Butter Frosting

Name: Vanilla Cake With Butter Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Treats & Temptations

I absolutely love baking this Vanilla Cake with Butter Frosting! It’s the ultimate dessert that captures the essence of home-baked goodness. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor, while the velvety frosting adds a luxurious touch. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for the family, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make yet impressively delicious, making it a true favorite among friends and family alike.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-10T17:15:36.355Z

When I first made this cake, I was surprised by how effortlessly it came together. The combination of simple ingredients resulted in an incredibly moist and flavorful cake. I found that creaming the butter and sugar well creates a light texture that enhances the overall taste.

Another key tip I discovered is to use high-quality vanilla extract; it's truly the star of the show! The butter frosting is just the right amount of sweetness, and I like to decorate it with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. This cake never fails to bring a smile to my face and those who try it!

You'll Love This Recipe For:
Classic vanilla flavor that everyone adores
Lush butter frosting that's irresistibly creamy
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because!

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial in achieving the best flavor and texture in your Vanilla Cake. Opt for real vanilla extract rather than imitation for a more profound and aromatic taste. The vanilla enhances the sweetness of the cake and pairs harmoniously with the luscious butter frosting. Additionally, using fresh eggs ensures a superior rise and structure, resulting in a light and fluffy cake that’s hard to resist.

The choice of butter also plays a significant role in your cake’s outcome. I prefer using unsalted butter as it allows you to control the saltiness in the cake better. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this helps incorporate air during the creaming process, leading to a tender cake. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine, but this may slightly alter the cake's richness.

Perfecting the Butter Frosting

For the butter frosting, achieving the perfect consistency and flavor balance is essential. Start by whipping the softened butter until it’s creamy and paler in color, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Incorporating powdered sugar gradually prevents a cloud of sweetness and allows for better control over the frosting's thickness. If it's too stiff, a tablespoon of heavy cream can help smooth it out, giving you that perfect spreadable texture.

When adding vanilla extract to your frosting, aim for pure vanilla for the best flavor. A common mistake is overmixing the frosting once the sugar is added; mix just until everything is combined to avoid a grainy texture. You can make this frosting ahead of time; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and bring it back to room temperature before frosting your cake.

Tips for Baking Success

When baking the Vanilla Cake, it’s vital to properly preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. An oven thermometer can help verify the temperature, ensuring your cakes rise optimally without overbaking. Cake layers should be baked until they are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly, so keep an eye on them after the 25-minute mark to prevent dryness, which diminishes the cake’s moistness.

Cooling the cakes properly is just as important as baking them. After removing from the oven, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes to firm up a bit, then transfer them to wire racks. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain the cake structure. If you need to store the cakes before frosting, wrap them well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days, which can actually enhance the flavor even more!

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs

For the Butter Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once cooled, prepare the butter frosting, spread it generously between layers and on top.

Pro Tips

For an added flavor twist, try incorporating lemon zest or almond extract into the cake batter for a unique spin!

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Cake with Butter Frosting shines as the star at any celebration, particularly birthdays or family gatherings. To elevate the presentation, consider adding fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries on top, which can complement the sweetness and add a delightful tartness. Alternatively, a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a light dusting of edible glitter can add an inviting touch.

For an extra layer of flavor, try infusing the butter frosting with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to create a twist on the classic vanilla. You can also layer the cake with fresh fruit preserves or chocolate ganache, adding another dimension to each slice. With such versatility, this cake can easily adapt to various themes and preferences.

Variations to Try

For those who enjoy a bit of creativity in the kitchen, consider adding a hint of citrus zest to the cake batter for a refreshing twist. Lemon or orange zest can complement the vanilla beautifully and provide an aromatic contrast. Additionally, you could incorporate a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into half of the batter to create a marble effect, merging the rich flavors of chocolate with classic vanilla.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour, giving the cake a softer crumb. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk instead of whole milk and vegan butter for the frosting, ensuring your cake remains rich in flavor while catering to dietary needs.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your cake doesn't rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh. An easy way to test it is to mix a teaspoon with hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it's still good. Also, avoid opening the oven door too early, as sudden temperature changes can impact the rise.

If your butter frosting appears too runny, adding a bit more powdered sugar will help firm it up. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a small amount of heavy cream will smooth it out. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the sweetness or flavor to your preference, ensuring the frosting is perfectly balanced.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can try using cake flour for a lighter texture, but check the measurement as it may differ.

→ How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.

→ What other flavors can I use for the frosting?

You can incorporate cocoa powder for a chocolate buttercream or fruit purees for a refreshing twist!