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, room temperature; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk, room temperature

Highlighted under: Cakes & Confections

I absolutely adore baking this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake! The aroma fills my kitchen and instantly lifts my spirits. This cake is incredibly moist and fluffy, thanks to the combination of butter and sugar creamed to perfection. I usually make it for family gatherings or simply when I'm craving something sweet. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or fresh fruit, and it's so versatile that you can easily adapt it with different flavors or frostings. Trust me, once you try it, it'll become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:37:34.932Z

When I first tried my hand at baking this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake, I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was. The secret, I found, lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which adds great volume and texture to the cake. This step is crucial because it creates tiny pockets of air, leading to that soft crumb we all crave.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various toppings and fillings. One tip I highly recommend is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it; this helps prevent the icing from melting, allowing the flavors to shine through. Since I love pairing it with a tangy fruit compote, I encourage you to get creative with your favorite accompaniments!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Deliciously rich vanilla flavor
Perfect base for countless toppings and fillings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of a great Vanilla Butter Cake lies in its ingredients. Unsalted butter is crucial as it allows you to control the salt content in your cake while also contributing to a rich flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to bring your butter and eggs to room temperature; this ensures they incorporate smoothly, resulting in a light and airy texture.

Using high-quality vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile significantly. If you're in a pinch, vanilla bean paste is a fantastic substitute, offering a concentrated vanilla flavor with those delightful specks of vanilla bean. Make sure to measure accurately, as too much can overpower the other flavors.

Baking Technique Tips

When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy consistency that can take about 5 minutes of mixing on medium speed. This step is essential, as it introduces air into the batter, helping your cake rise beautifully. If you notice the batter is heavy or dense after adding the dry ingredients, you may not have creamed the butter and sugar sufficiently.

Always check your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use the toothpick test; if the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, your cake is perfectly baked. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so timing is key!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Classic Vanilla Butter Cake:

Ingredients

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

With these ingredients ready, you're all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Classic Vanilla Butter Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

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

Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the top. Bake for 30 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 turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Once the cake is cooled, you can frost it with your favorite icing and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin baking. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This Vanilla Butter Cake can be made a day in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld, creating an even richer cake. If you’re planning to frost it, make sure it is completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble with your favorite frosting or fruit.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this classic version is delightful on its own, consider adding citrus zest or a splash of almond extract for a different twist. For a chocolate version, you could substitute a cup of flour with cocoa powder, creating a rich, decadent dessert that pairs beautifully with fresh berries.

Serve slices of this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and some macerated strawberries for a stunning presentation. It also makes an excellent base for layered cakes; simply slice it horizontally and fill it with your preferred frosting or curd for an impressive dessert.

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 to unsalted butter.

→ How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?

You can replace 1 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with fruit compote, whipped cream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.