Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk

Highlighted under: Cozy Baking Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake is one of my go-to recipes when I'm in the mood for something delightful. It's straightforward and comes out perfectly moist and rich every time I make it. The combination of real vanilla beans and fresh ingredients elevates this cake to another level of flavor. Whether I'm serving it for a family gathering or enjoying it on a quiet weekend, this cake never fails to impress. I'm excited to share this delicious recipe with you!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:34:34.740Z

During one of my baking adventures, I stumbled upon a classic vanilla butter cake recipe that turned out to be an absolute winner. I quickly learned that using high-quality butter and real vanilla instead of extract made all the difference in flavor. If you want to elevate the taste, consider folding in some finely grated lemon zest or almond extract for a subtle twist.

This cake has become a staple in my baking repertoire, perfect for serving at celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The key to keeping it moist lies in not overmixing the batter and ensuring the butter is at room temperature before starting.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Indulgent vanilla flavor that reminds you of childhood baking
Perfectly moist texture that is incredibly satisfying
Versatile enough to be dressed up or kept simple

Understanding the Ingredients

The ingredients in this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake play a pivotal role in achieving that moist and flavorful texture. The unsalted butter not only provides richness but also acts as an emulsifying agent, helping to create a smooth batter without overmixing. The quality of the vanilla extract is equally important; using pure vanilla will impart deeper and more complex flavors compared to imitation vanilla. If you want to take it a step further, you can use the seeds from a vanilla bean for an indulgent burst of flavor.

Eggs serve as the binder in this recipe, contributing to the cake's structure and moisture. When adding the eggs, be sure to let them come to room temperature, as this helps them blend more smoothly into the batter and promotes a uniform rise. Additionally, the interplay between the flour and baking powder creates the perfect lift, allowing your cake to rise beautifully without collapsing.

Mastering the Baking Technique

Proper mixing techniques can greatly affect the texture of your cake. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time to achieve a light and fluffy mixture—this will help incorporate air and give the cake a lovely rise. Avoid overmixing once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can develop gluten in the flour and lead to a denser cake. I usually mix just until I can no longer see dry flour, ensuring a tender crumb.

Baking times can vary based on your oven's calibration and whether you're using glass or metal pans. Keep an eye on the cakes towards the end of the baking time; look for golden edges and a springy texture when gently pressed. Always test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the cakes don't rise as expected, check that your baking powder is fresh, as old leavening agents can result in flat cakes.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients listed below to make your delicious vanilla butter cake.

Classic Vanilla Butter Cake Ingredients

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

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect vanilla butter cake!

Preheat Oven

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, you can frost or decorate the cake as you wish!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try adding some almond extract or mixing in sprinkles for a festive touch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Classic Vanilla Butter Cake can be made ahead of time, which makes it a fantastic option for busy weekends or parties. Once cooled completely, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers. Just ensure they are well-wrapped, and they can last in the freezer for about three months. When ready to serve, transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight before decorating.

You can also freeze slices of the cake for individual servings. Wrap the slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze them. This makes it easy to enjoy a piece whenever the craving strikes. Just let the slice come to room temperature or reheat it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds—this will bring back the cake's wonderful moistness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with your choice of toppings or fillings. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a rich buttercream frosting or a fruit compote can transform it into a more decadent dessert. You might try pairing it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful summer treat or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache for a more indulgent twist.

For a fun variation, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter for a refreshing flavor boost. You can also experiment with flavoring the milk—substituting some of it with almond milk for a nutty note or buttermilk for an even richer taste and velvety texture. These small tweaks can make this Classic Vanilla Butter Cake a staple in your baking repertoire, each time with its own unique flair.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using cake flour will give you a lighter and fluffier texture.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as an egg substitute.