Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk

Highlighted under: Dessert & Dough

I absolutely adore baking, and this classic vanilla butter cake truly captures my heart every time I make it. The buttery texture, rich vanilla flavor, and golden crust create a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a simple afternoon tea or a celebratory gathering, this cake never fails to impress. With just a few ingredients commonly found in my pantry, I can whip up this masterpiece in no time, allowing me to savor the sweet moments with family and friends. It's a timeless recipe that I love to share.

Created by

Kayla Monroe

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:06:38.321Z

When I first tried this vanilla butter cake, I was immediately enchanted by its moist crumb and rich flavor. I learned that using high-quality vanilla extract really makes a difference, as it elevates the simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Every bite feels like a warm hug, which is why I keep returning to this reliable recipe.

One tip I swear by is to let the butter soften to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This ensures that the ingredients meld perfectly, giving the cake a fluffy texture. It's my go-to method, and I’m confident you’ll love the results as much as I do!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth
Perfectly moist texture that lasts for days
Versatile base for various frostings or fruit toppings

Understanding Ingredients

The humble yet essential ingredients of this classic vanilla butter cake play a significant role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Unsalted butter not only adds that rich, creamy taste, but it also allows you to control the sodium content of your cake. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps in creaming it smoothly with sugar and contributes to a lighter, fluffier batter. I always let my butter sit out for about an hour before I start baking to ensure this.

Granulated sugar is equally important, providing sweetness while also aiding in the cake's structure. Remember to cream your sugar and butter thoroughly, about 3-5 minutes, until pale and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air and create a light cake. If you need a lower-sugar version, you can try using coconut sugar, but keep in mind it might alter the color and taste slightly.

Mixing Techniques for Success

When combining the dry ingredients, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed, preventing any unexpected pockets of density. I find that using a sifter can also help eliminate lumps in the flour, giving you a smoother batter. Mixing the dry ingredients separately is one of those small steps that pays off immensely in the end product.

Another tip to remember is to alternate adding the dry mixture and milk into the batter. This technique allows for better integration without overmixing, which is critical for maintaining that fluffy texture. Aim for just combined; you'll want to stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain visible, which will keep your cake from becoming dense or gummy.

Cooling and Frosting

Allowing your cakes to cool adequately before frosting is crucial. If you skip this step and frost while warm, the frosting may melt and slide off, leading to a messy presentation. It's best to let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling. Once cooled, the cakes are easier to handle, and the texture remains intact for a cleaner cut.

When it comes to frosting this cake, the choices are virtually endless. A classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a fruit glaze can elevate the cake's flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a touch of lemon zest to your frosting for a refreshing twist. Serve the cake with fresh berries on the side for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious classic vanilla butter cake:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your classic vanilla butter cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pans

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

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Frost as desired.

Enjoy your delightful vanilla butter cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider incorporating lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a unique flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Tips

This vanilla butter cake can be made ahead of time with excellent results. Once cooled completely, wrap the cakes tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. If freezing, ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost just before serving to maintain that fresh taste and texture.

Leftover cake can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you notice the cake becoming a bit stale, try serving it warmed up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, enhancing its moisture and flavor.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors to personalize this vanilla butter cake. You can infuse the butter with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, during the creaming process for a bright and refreshing twist. Adding a teaspoon of almond extract can also enhance the vanilla flavor, giving the cake a unique depth that pairs wonderfully with fruit toppings.

For chocolate lovers, consider swirling in melted chocolate into the batter before baking, or using cocoa powder to create a marbled effect. Just remember to adjust the flour to maintain the right consistency, as cocoa powder can absorb liquid differently. Transforming this classic recipe into various flavors means it will never get old in your baking collection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake domes excessively while baking, it could be due to an oven temperature that’s too high. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. A good practice is to check for doneness not just by time but also by performing the toothpick test; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

In case your cake turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing after adding the flour. Remember, the flour should be mixed only until just combined. If you find your cake is too dry, consider adding a bit more milk or a splash of cream to the batter next time. This will enhance the moistness of your creation, so you can enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of your cake to the fullest.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

→ What can I do with leftover cake?

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

→ Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped fruits like strawberries or blueberries can be folded into the batter for added flavor and moisture.

→ What frosting pairs well with this cake?

Cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream works wonderfully with this cake.