Homemade Vanilla Cake
This classic vanilla cake is a simple yet elegant one-bowl dessert. With its soft, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether paired with buttercream, chocolate frosting, or enjoyed plain, this cake is versatile, beginner-friendly, and utterly delicious.
Servings: 14
Calories: 497kcal
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups 390 grams cake flour (or 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour)
- 2 cups 400 grams granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups 340 grams buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 large egg whites at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray only the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Avoid spraying the sides of the pans.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
- Add Butter: Add the room-temperature butter and beat on medium speed for 1 minute, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Buttermilk and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute to combine, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add Eggs: Reduce the speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the egg whites and beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds, until the batter is smooth.
- Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Make Ahead: Pre-measure the dry ingredients and store them in a jar to create a quick homemade cake mix. It also makes a great gift!
Vanilla Flavor: Use high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor.
Prevent Dark Edges: If your oven runs hot, wrap the cooled layers in plastic wrap and let them sit for 24 hours before frosting.
Vanilla Flavor: Use high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor.
Prevent Dark Edges: If your oven runs hot, wrap the cooled layers in plastic wrap and let them sit for 24 hours before frosting.