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: 12 slices
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baked Bliss

I love making a classic vanilla butter cake because it brings back memories of my grandmother baking in her cozy kitchen. The rich, buttery flavor paired with the simplicity of vanilla creates a cake that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether it's for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this cake never disappoints. The best part is, with just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create something truly spectacular to share with family and friends.

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-26T01:45:34.147Z

When I first attempted to bake a classic vanilla butter cake, I thought it would be a piece of cake! But I soon realized that the balance of ingredients is key. Using high-quality vanilla extract and room temperature butter makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. I also learned the importance of creaming the sugar and butter thoroughly; it adds air to the batter and results in a light, fluffy cake.

After several trials, I discovered that baking this cake at a slightly lower temperature allows it to bake more evenly, preventing the edges from browning too quickly. I'm always thrilled when I take it out of the oven, the aroma fills my kitchen and it has risen beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The comforting aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Perfectly moist texture that complements any frosting or fruit topping.
Easily customizable with your favorite flavors or mix-ins.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient is essential for creating the perfect vanilla butter cake. The butter not only adds richness but also contributes to the cake’s tender texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this allows it to cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy batter. Similarly, the eggs must also be at room temperature to emulsify correctly, providing moisture and stability to the cake's structure.

Granulated sugar isn't just a sweetener; it helps aerate the butter when creamed, creating a light and delicate crumb. The flour is crucial as it provides the cake's structure, while baking powder ensures that it rises beautifully. Be careful not to overmix after adding the flour to maintain the cake's softness; just mix until you no longer see dry flour.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking the cake, be vigilant about the time because ovens can vary significantly. I suggest starting to check for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. If the toothpick shows wet batter, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry cake.

Once the cakes are out of the oven, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooling is crucial; if you skip this step, the cakes may break apart when turned out. After they cool slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for the classic vanilla butter cake:

Ingredients

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

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps to create this delicious cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake the perfect vanilla butter cake:

Prepare the Oven and Pans

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

Mix Butter and Sugar

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

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. 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 a wire rack to cool completely. Frost as desired.

Enjoy your freshly baked vanilla butter cake!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of almond extract alongside the vanilla or folding in some lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your vanilla butter cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, to protect against freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.

This versatile cake pairs well with a variety of frostings and toppings. A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the rich flavor beautifully. For a fruitier touch, consider topping it with fresh berries or a fruit glaze. This cake also makes an excellent base for layered desserts or trifles; simply slice the layers and alternate them with whipped cream and fruit for a delightful presentation.

Variations to Try

Though this recipe is a classic, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For an almond-flavored cake, swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract. Adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, can brighten the cake’s flavor palette and add a refreshing twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added texture.

If you're looking to make this cake a bit lighter, consider using half Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter. This substitution still keeps the cake moist, while slightly reducing the fat content. Just be cautious not to overmix the batter with this substitution, as yogurt can sometimes alter the cake's structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour can be used for a lighter texture, but the cake may be more delicate.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ What frosting pairs well with vanilla butter cake?

Vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream complement this cake beautifully.

→ Can I add fruit to the batter?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries can add a delightful freshness to the cake.