Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 slices
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 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk

Highlighted under: Home-Baked Happiness

I absolutely adore this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake recipe! It's a delightful treat that never fails to impress during gatherings or family occasions. The rich, buttery flavor paired with the sweet vanilla essence creates a beautiful combination that’s simply irresistible. I’ve perfected this recipe over time, experimenting with different ratios and techniques to achieve the fluffiest, most tender cake. This version is not only easy to make, but it also bakes up beautifully, making it an essential staple in my baking repertoire.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:49:34.524Z

The first time I baked this cake, I was thrilled by how versatile it is. It serves beautifully on its own, but it can also be dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel. This method optimizes the creaming of the butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture that makes every slice melt in your mouth. I always use high-quality vanilla extract, which really elevates the flavor.

One specific tip I learned is to let the eggs reach room temperature before mixing, as this helps achieve a smoother batter. Trust me, this simple step makes a noticeable difference in the cake's texture. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of vanilla wafting through the kitchen while it bakes!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Rich, buttery flavor that captivates your taste buds
Comforting aroma of vanilla that fills your kitchen
Perfectly moist and tender crumb that delights with every bite

Mastering the Batter

Achieving the perfect cake batter is all about the right balance of ingredients and mixing techniques. When you cream together the butter and sugar, aim for a light, fluffy texture that resembles whipped cream, which typically takes about five minutes of mixing. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake rise beautifully while contributing to its tender crumb. Ensure your butter is at room temperature; if it's too cold, the mixture will not emulsify properly.

It's important to be gentle when combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, as it develops the gluten in the flour. Instead, mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few floury streaks left – they will be incorporated as the batter rests. If you prefer a lighter cake, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour; this will reduce the protein content and create an even softer texture.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once baked and cooled, this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake can be stored for several days at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. If you'd like to prepare ahead, you can refrigerate or freeze the layers. For freezing, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, storing them in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their texture.

This cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or take it up a notch by adding a simple buttercream frosting or a homemade fruit compote. For gatherings, consider slicing the cake into smaller portions and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Decadent Variations

While the Classic Vanilla Butter Cake stands beautifully on its own, adding ingredients like citrus zest, finely chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips can elevate the flavor profile. For an orange-infused version, mix in the zest of one orange and substitute half of the vanilla extract with orange extract. This will create a bright, fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with the rich butteriness.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for structure. Additionally, experimenting with flavored extracts like almond or maple can offer unique twists on the original flavor. Just remember that flavor extracts are potent; start with half the amount specified in the recipe and adjust to taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious 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 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk

With these ingredients ready, you’re all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake the cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 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 another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Let them cool completely before frosting or serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked Vanilla Butter Cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider folding in some lemon zest or almond extract. This cake can easily be adapted into different flavors as well!

Common Troubleshooting

If your cake turns out too dry, it might be due to over-baking. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but not dry. Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly, as packing it down can result in excess flour and a drier cake. Alternatively, if you find your cake is too moist or dense, it could be caused by insufficient mixing or incorporating too much liquid.

Another common issue is the cakes sinking in the middle. This can happen if the oven temperature is too low, leading to improper set. Always preheat your oven and invest in an oven thermometer for accurate readings. Likewise, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as it can cause the temperature to drop unexpectedly.

Baking Equipment Essentials

For this recipe, using quality cake pans is essential. Opt for light-colored, non-stick cake pans which prevent over-browning and encourage even baking. If you're using glass or dark pans, reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to prevent the cake from browning too quickly. Additionally, a stand mixer can ease the mixing process, especially when creaming butter and sugar, but a handheld mixer will work just fine if that’s what you have.

Having a reliable kitchen scale can also help ensure accuracy in your ingredient measurements, especially for the flour and sugar. This precision can lead to consistent results every time you bake, reducing the risk of errors that can affect your cake’s texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas

When serving your Classic Vanilla Butter Cake, consider enhancing its presentation with a simple glaze. A mixture of powdered sugar and a splash of milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the top for a sweet finish. Garnishing with fresh berries or edible flowers adds not just a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

For special occasions, you might layer this cake with different fillings like fruit preserves, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache. You can create a beautiful layered cake by slicing each round in half horizontally and spreading your choice of filling in between. Remember to chill the cake slightly after frosting to help set the layers, making slicing easier when serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.

→ How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?

Substitute 1 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

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

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

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