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Classic Moist Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of vanilla cake with thick white frosting, bathed in sunlight.
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A simple recipe for a soft, fluffy vanilla layer cake that stays moist, paired with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. This cake is perfect for birthdays and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
  5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, alternating with the milk/sour cream mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack them.

Notes

  • For an extra soft crumb, use room temperature eggs and milk.
  • You can make the cake layers one day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing them at room temperature.
  • For a bakery style look, use a cake leveler to trim the tops flat before frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy-easy/