The Ultimate Vanilla Cake Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet

This vanilla cake is, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever had. Its soft, light crumb and rich flavor will have you coming back for more. What makes it truly stand out is the creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, which pairs perfectly with the cake. Whether it’s for a birthday, a celebration, or just a random dessert craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit!

After years of testing and tweaking, I’m excited to share with you this updated version of the recipe. I’ve made it even fluffier and softer while keeping the incredible flavor that everyone loves. It’s not only perfect for a birthday cake but also great for special occasions like weddings, baby showers, and holiday desserts.

What Makes This Vanilla Cake So Amazing?

Here are the reasons why this vanilla cake is simply the best:

• Light, Fluffy Crumb: Thanks to cake flour and extra egg whites, this cake is airy and soft, yet sturdy enough to hold frosting.
• Delicious Vanilla Flavor: Using pure vanilla extract takes this cake’s flavor to the next level.
• Moist Texture: With the help of buttermilk and the perfect ratio of eggs, this cake stays moist and tender, never dry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a simple family dinner or a fancy celebration, this cake can be dressed up with beautiful decorations or kept simple with just a bit of frosting.

Behind the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

Creating the best vanilla cake wasn’t a walk in the park, but after years of testing, I’ve perfected it. The recipe combines elements from my white cake and naked cake recipes, which were already reader favorites. Here’s what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients

• Cake Flour: The secret to a soft and fluffy cake! Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour gives the cake a light, airy texture.
• Eggs + Egg Whites: The mix of 3 whole eggs and 2 additional egg whites is key. The egg whites make the cake fluffier, while the whole eggs provide structure.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These work together to give the cake its rise without any chemical aftertaste.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and helps react with the baking soda for a fluffier texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a must for that deep, comforting vanilla flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures they combine evenly and results in a smooth batter that will bake perfectly.
2. Parchment Paper Rounds: Line your cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal. Simply trace the bottom of the pan on the parchment and cut it out. This ensures the cake slides out of the pan without sticking.
3. Cool Layers Completely: Don’t rush this step! Cooling the cake layers completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting and causing the cake to collapse.
4. Frosting Tips: After frosting your cake, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to set the layers. This will help ensure you get beautiful, clean slices when serving.

The Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

What makes this cake even better is the vanilla buttercream frosting. It’s incredibly smooth, creamy, and light, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rich cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream Cheese: The tangy cream cheese adds depth to the frosting, making it the perfect complement to the vanilla cake.
• Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Powdered Sugar: This is what makes the frosting sweet and gives it the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Of course, we use vanilla extract to bring in that delicious vanilla flavor.
• Pinch of Salt: A little salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cake: After your cake layers have cooled, use a serrated knife to trim off the tops to create a flat, even surface. This makes the cake easier to frost and gives it a more professional look.
2. Frosting Between Layers: When frosting between the cake layers, use about 1.5 cups of frosting per layer. Save the remaining frosting for the outside of the cake.
3. Decoration: For a simple, classic look, decorate with some extra vanilla buttercream, fresh berries, or even edible flowers. For something more extravagant, you can add chocolate ganache or rainbow sprinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes! This cake actually gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it a day ahead. Just keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate it if you need it to stay fresh for longer.

Q: Can I use a different kind of frosting?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can use vanilla buttercream, Swiss meringue buttercream, or even whipped cream frosting.

Q: Can I make this as cupcakes?
A: Yes, this recipe works perfectly for cupcakes. Just divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes at the same temperature.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
A: Yes, you can! This recipe works well in a 9×13-inch pan or in two 8-inch round pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly (for a 9×13, you may need a little more time).

Conclusion

This vanilla cake is truly a crowd-pleaser. With its soft, airy crumb and rich vanilla flavor, topped with smooth vanilla buttercream, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to make any day sweeter. Follow the tips, and I promise you’ll have the most perfect vanilla cake you’ve ever tasted!