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 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt

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I absolutely adore baking this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake whenever I want to create a sweet and simple masterpiece. The heavenly aroma of vanilla fills my kitchen, and the moist, buttery texture has made it a favorite among family and friends. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for a dessert on its own or as a base for layered cakes. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, I’ve found this cake to be my go-to recipe for any special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:25:34.833Z

My journey with this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake began when I wanted to replicate a childhood favorite from my grandma. After several trials, I finally mastered the perfect balance of butter and sugar, resulting in a cake that is undeniably rich yet light. The secret lies in creaming the butter properly, which incorporates air into the batter, making it rise beautifully.

Each time I bake this cake, I experiment a little, like adding almond extract alongside the vanilla for a delightful twist. It pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple glaze, making it an instant hit at any gathering!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich buttery flavor that melts in your mouth
Light and airy texture that is perfect for layering
Quick and easy recipe, ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers

Mastering the Baking Process

Understanding the importance of ingredient temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Classic Vanilla Butter Cake. Ensure that your butter is softened properly—it should feel slightly yielding but not oily. This affects the creaming process, allowing the butter and sugar to trap air effectively, leading to a light and airy cake. If your butter is too soft or melted, the cake may turn dense instead of fluffy.

When mixing your flour with the baking powder and salt, whisk them together thoroughly. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any dense pockets in your finished cake. I recommend using a fine-mesh sieve for this, as it helps to aerate your flour further, adding to the cake's lightness.

Texture and Flavor Enhancements

The richness of this cake can be further enhanced by using high-quality vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract offers a depth of flavor that imitation varieties lack. For a fun twist, consider adding the seeds from a vanilla bean; just half a bean will elevate the aroma and taste, making your cake even more special. Vanilla bean paste can also be an excellent substitute if you prefer a more intense flavor.

To achieve an even better texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, causing the cake to become tough rather than tender. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour; some small lumps are perfectly fine.

Ingredients

Classic Vanilla Butter Cake Ingredients

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

Instructions

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy Your Cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the batter or top the cooled cake with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.

Storing Your Cake

If you have leftovers or want to make this cake ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to enjoy a piece of cake whenever the craving strikes. Just remember to let the cake thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its moist texture.

If you prefer to store the whole cake, you can freeze it unfrosted for up to three months. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Once ready to serve, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before frosting it.

Perfect Pairings

The Classic Vanilla Butter Cake shines on its own, but you can elevate its presentation by pairing it with whipped cream and fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake and makes it visually appealing. A simple fruit compote can also work beautifully; just simmer your choice of berries with a bit of sugar until thickened.

For a more decadent dessert, consider frosting the cake with a vanilla buttercream or a light cream cheese frosting. If you want to experiment, try flavoring the buttercream with citrus zest or different extracts to complement the vanilla. Using a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can provide a lovely shine while keeping the cake light.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

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

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Try adding different extracts such as almond or adding lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.