Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 3 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk

Highlighted under: Oven-Baked Delights

I absolutely adore baking, and my favorite go-to recipe has to be this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake. The rich aroma that fills the kitchen while it's baking is simply irresistible! Every slice offers a perfect balance of moistness and tenderness, making it an ideal choice for celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. I love how versatile this cake is; it can easily be dressed up with toppings or enjoyed plain. Trust me, once you try it, you'll never look for another vanilla cake recipe again!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:09:34.364Z

Baking this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is truly a delightful experience for me. I remember the first time I tried it, the way the vanilla and butter melded together created an unforgettable scent that still fills my memory. The key to a great cake lies in creaming the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy—this makes all the difference in texture!

I've experimented with different baking temperatures and times, and I find that 350°F is just perfect for even cooking. If you want to add a personal touch, a hint of almond extract pairs beautifully with the vanilla. It's a simple cake, but every bite brings back sweet memories of family gatherings and celebrations.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent vanilla flavor that impresses every palate
Perfectly moist texture that holds up beautifully for layers or slices
Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake plays a specific role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter not only provides a rich taste but also contributes to the cake's moistness by trapping air during the creaming process. Using room temperature butter is crucial; it should be softened enough to leave an indent when pressed with a finger, usually taking about 30 minutes to warm up out of the fridge. If you find yourself short on butter, a 3/4 cup of plain yogurt can be used as an alternative, although the taste will differ slightly.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also aids in the aeration when creamed with butter. This aeration is vital for a fluffy texture. Instead of white sugar, you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. While eggs add moisture and richness, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, vegan version, but note that this will slightly alter the cake's structure.

Baking Techniques for Perfection

Proper mixing is essential for a light and fluffy cake. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be cautious not to overmix; ideally, you should only mix until you no longer see flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture due to gluten development. A handheld mixer works well for the initial creaming, but switching to a spatula for the final mix will help prevent overworking the batter.

When dividing the batter, consider using a kitchen scale to ensure each pan is filled equally, which helps the cakes bake consistently. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cakes are done. If the cakes domed excessively, they might have been baked too long or at too high a temperature. If this happens, gently slice off the dome with a serrated knife once they have cooled to ensure even layering.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started!

Classic Vanilla Butter Cake Ingredients

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

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cake!

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix and Alternate with Milk

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

Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, feel free to frost with your favorite icing or enjoy plain!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can experiment with almond extract or citrus zest in the batter.

Storing and Freezing Tips

This Vanilla Butter Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing it to maintain its moisture and flavor. If you prefer to keep it longer, freeze the unadorned cakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Properly frozen, they stay fresh for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring it back to room temperature before serving.

If you've assembled the cake with frosting or toppings, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, for frosted cakes, I recommend using a cake dome or covering it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from drying out. Reheating slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can refresh the cake, making it feel freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with simple toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar gives it a lovely finish, while fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the delicate vanilla notes. For a festivity, consider layering it with seasonal fruits or serving it with a scoop of ice cream.

If you're looking to vary the flavor profile, experiment by adding citrus zest—like lemon or orange—to the batter for a refreshing twist. You can also fold in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Another delicious variation is to incorporate a swirl of fruit preserves or flavored syrups into the batter right before baking, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to make this cake more decadent?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit zest for an extra burst of flavor!