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: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Confection Corner

I am excited to share my take on the Classic Vanilla Butter Cake, a timeless dessert that has become a staple in my home. The moment you slice into this cake, you are greeted with a buttery, moist crumb that melts in your mouth, complemented beautifully by the subtle flavor of pure vanilla. It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both celebrations and casual gatherings. I love how versatile it is; you can serve it plain, with frosting, or even adapt it with fresh fruits or jams depending on the season.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:05:34.166Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I wanted to create a cake that would evoke nostalgia for the simple desserts of my childhood. The buttery richness and fragrant vanilla made this cake a delightful journey back in time. Using high-quality ingredients made a noticeable difference in flavor, and I particularly recommend using fresh vanilla beans or good vanilla extract.

One memorable experience was decorating this cake for a family birthday party. The joy of watching everyone savor each bite of the moist, fluffy cake reminded me why I cherish baking. By allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting, I achieved a beautiful, flawless finish that left my guests asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Buttery, rich flavor that appeals to everyone
Perfectly moist texture that stays fresh for days
Versatile base for creating endless variations with toppings

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake plays a crucial role in achieving its perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter contributes to the rich, buttery flavor and moist crumb, while the granulated sugar helps to create a light and airy texture when creamed together. Using large eggs adds moisture and structure, ensuring the cake rises beautifully during baking.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of this cake, providing the necessary gluten for structure. However, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. The baking powder is essential for leavening, helping the cake to rise properly, while salt enhances the overall flavors.

Baking Tips for Success

Preheating your oven to the right temperature and ensuring your cake pans are properly prepared are key steps in this recipe. Greasing and flouring the pans well not only helps the cakes to release easily but also ensures they maintain their shape without sticking. If you find yourself without parchment paper, a good tip is to use butter or a non-stick spray, but flouring the pans afterward is essential to prevent sticking.

When mixing the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture, which usually takes about five minutes. This aeration process is essential for a tender cake. For best results, use an electric mixer on medium speed. Remember to scrape down the bowl regularly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated, leading to an even texture throughout the cake.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

The Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect base for various occasions. You can enjoy it plain, accented with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with frosting for a more decadent treat. For a seasonal twist, consider adding fresh berries or a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers, which not only adds flavor but also enhances presentation.

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag; it can last for up to three months. To serve after freezing, allow it to thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving, ensuring it retains its moist texture.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Butter Cake

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

Instructions

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 sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Alternate Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Pro Tips

For an extra level of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the batter. This enhances the sweetness beautifully.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your cake domes or rises too high in the center, it may be a sign that your oven is too hot or that the batter was overmixed. To prevent this from happening in the future, use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and mix ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.

On the other hand, if your cake turns out dense, it could be due to the flour being tightly packed when measured. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid excess flour. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened properly – it should be pliable but still cool to touch.

Flavor Variations to Try

While the vanilla flavor is classic and beloved, don’t hesitate to get creative with this butter cake. You can infuse the batter with citrus zest like lemon or orange for a refreshing twist. Simply add about one tablespoon of zest along with the vanilla extract to brighten the flavor profile.

To elevate the sweetness, consider drizzling a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water over the warm cake. This adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, for a chocolate version, replace a cup of flour with cocoa powder and adjust the baking time slightly to accommodate the density of the chocolate batter.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may affect the flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.

→ How can I make this cake chocolate flavored?

You can replace 1 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate vanilla cake.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature.

→ What should I do if my cake is too dense?

Ensure you properly cream the butter and sugar, and avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.