Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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 full-fat milk; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Pastry Magic

I absolutely adore baking, and there’s something timeless about a classic vanilla butter cake. The way it fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting scent is irresistible. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, ensuring each bite is light, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor. Whether it's for a birthday celebration or just a sweet indulgence during the week, this cake never fails to impress. Let's dive into the details and create a dessert that's sure to delight family and friends alike!

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:05:34.649Z

When I first attempted this vanilla butter cake, I was amazed by how simple yet elegant it turned out. The method relies on creaming the butter and sugar together, which incorporates air and creates that fluffy texture we all love. One secret I discovered is to use high-quality vanilla extract; it truly elevates the flavor to another level. Every time I make this cake, I’m reminded of my childhood gatherings, where the cake was the star of the dessert table.

Another tip I recommend is to let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure while preventing it from breaking apart. I enjoy serving it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, but it can also be dressed up with fresh berries or whipped cream.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth
Delicate vanilla aroma enhances every bite
Versatile delight, great for any occasion

      

Mastering the Basics

To achieve that perfect vanilla butter cake, you must pay close attention to the creaming process. Creaming the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a lighter texture. Aim for about 3-5 minutes of mixing with a stand mixer on medium speed. If you notice the mixture is still gritty, keep mixing until it appears smooth and fluffy.

Be sure to use room temperature eggs, as they blend more easily into the batter compared to cold eggs. This small detail can impact the cake’s rise, as well-integrated ingredients lead to a better structure. If you’ve forgotten to take the eggs out ahead of time, a quick fix is to place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.

Perfecting the Bake

When baking your cakes, monitoring the temperature is key. An oven thermometer is a great tool to ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. Bake your cakes until they are golden brown, and a toothpick or cake tester should come out clean when inserted into the center. Typically, this will take about 25 minutes, but keep an eye on them after the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for no longer than 10 minutes. This ensures the cakes won’t become overly moist from steam trapped in the pan. Once you transfer them to a wire rack, let them cool completely before frosting. A well-cooled cake holds up better under icing and prevents any melting.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before we start baking:

For the Classic 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 full-fat milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Once you have everything ready, we can move on to baking!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now you have your delicious vanilla butter cake ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, consider incorporating lemon zest into the batter for a citrusy kick.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect classic vanilla butter cake. The unsalted butter adds richness and flavor, while the sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cake's structure. Granulated sugar creates a light crumb, whereas brown sugar could lead to a denser texture.

Choosing a high-quality vanilla extract is essential as it imparts a deep flavor profile to your cake. If you're in a pinch, feel free to substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or the seeds from half a vanilla bean for a more intense flavor.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your cake is completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before decorating.

This vanilla butter cake serves as a delightful base for various frostings. Try pairing it with buttercream, whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Adding fresh fruits or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate the dessert further, making it perfect for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter provides the best flavor and texture for this cake.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

For an egg substitute, you can use applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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