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The Ultimate Moist & Fluffy Classic Vanilla Layer Cake with Homemade Buttercream

Close-up of a moist slice of vanilla cake recipe showing fluffy crumb and thick layer of white frosting.
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You need a reliable, easy recipe for a truly moist and fluffy classic vanilla layer cake. This recipe delivers a soft crumb perfect for any celebration, topped with rich homemade vanilla buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. With the mixer on low, gradually add half of the wet mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  6. Add the remaining wet mixture and beat on medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
  11. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, adding more cream if needed for desired consistency.
  12. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top.
  13. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk; this helps create a smoother batter and a softer cake crumb.
  • For the best vanilla flavor, use high-quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
  • To achieve a truly soft crumb, avoid scraping the bowl too often while mixing the batter.
  • If you are making a layer cake, chilling the frosted layers briefly before applying the final coat helps create sharp edges.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy/

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