Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of My Very Best Vanilla Cake! This classic homemade vanilla layer cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
For Decorating:
- Vanilla buttercream frosting (for filling and topping)
- Fresh berries or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Milk and Sour Cream: In a separate bowl, combine milk and sour cream.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the creamed butter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans, smooth tops, and bake for 28–32 minutes. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and Decorate: Frost with vanilla buttercream and decorate as desired.
Notes
- For an extra-vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.
- This cake can be made ahead and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before frosting.
- Pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or lemon curd between layers.
