Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk

Highlighted under: Sugar Studio

I absolutely love baking, and this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake has a special place in my heart. The rich vanilla aroma fills my kitchen as the cake bakes, creating an inviting warmth that's hard to resist. Each slice is moist and buttery, perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday party or a Sunday brunch. The simplicity of this recipe allows me to use high-quality ingredients, which really shine through in the finished cake. Trust me, once you try it, you'll understand why I keep coming back to this classic delight!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:13:34.732Z

Baking this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake brings back so many fond memories of my childhood and family celebrations. I remember experimenting with different frosting flavors, but no matter what, the vanilla base was always the highlight. Using high-quality vanilla extract truly elevates the flavor, creating a delightful and fragrant cake.

Every time I bake this cake, I focus on the method—ensuring to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This crucial step allows the butter cake to rise beautifully and achieve the perfect texture. I recommend letting it cool completely before frosting for the best results!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Classic flavor that never goes out of style
Perfectly moist texture that's easy to slice
Versatile base for any frosting or fruit toppings

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of the Classic Vanilla Butter Cake relies heavily on quality ingredients. The unsalted butter not only adds richness but also controls the saltiness in your cake. Using high-quality, pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a soft, aromatic experience. I recommend opting for Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla for the best results. Avoid artificial vanilla, as it can lead to a less pleasant taste.

Granulated sugar plays a crucial role in the cake's moisture retention. When creamed with the butter, it creates tiny air pockets that help leaven the cake. This technique ensures a light texture. Be mindful not to over-cream the butter and sugar, as it can lead to an overly airy cake that crumbles easily when sliced.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing your ingredients, precision is key to achieving the right texture. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; it should yield slightly when pressed. If you live in a cooler climate, you can cut the butter into smaller chunks to soften it more quickly. Remember to incorporate the eggs one at a time thoroughly, which helps achieve an even batter and a moist crumb.

The method of alternating dry ingredients with milk while mixing is crucial for preventing lumps. Start and finish with the flour mixture, and mix just until combined—over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, using an oven thermometer is advisable to ensure your oven's temperature is accurate, as an incorrect temperature could result in an undercooked or burnt cake.

Ingredients

Classic 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until smooth.

Bake the Cake

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

Cool and Decorate

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting as desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter. Additionally, let your cake cool completely before applying any frosting to prevent it from melting.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This vanilla butter cake is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparations. You can bake the cake layers one or two days before your event and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting for the best results.

If you've baked the cake and have leftovers, store them covered at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, refrigerate it, but remember that refrigeration may dry out the texture slightly. To revive the cake, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, making it taste fresh again.

Decorating and Serving Suggestions

This cake serves as a perfect canvas for a variety of frostings and toppings. Classic buttercream complements its buttery flavor beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or even a light whipped ganache for a more decadent finish. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, can add a refreshing touch and contrast the rich cake.

For an appealing presentation, consider cutting the cake into layers and adding a fruit filling between the layers. It not only enhances the visual but also introduces delightful flavor combinations. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair. Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cake. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What frosting pairs well with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.