Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup milk, room temperature

Highlighted under: Simply Sweet Bakes

When I think of classic desserts, vanilla butter cake always takes me back to my childhood. The rich, buttery flavor coupled with its light, fluffy texture makes it the perfect base for any celebration. Whether it's a birthday or just an afternoon treat, I find that this cake never disappoints. I love how versatile it is – you can enjoy it plain or dress it up with frosting and toppings. Each bite reminds me of the simple joys of baking, and it’s a recipe I reach for time and again.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:49:34.853Z

My journey with baking this vanilla butter cake started as a quest to recreate my grandmother's famous recipe. I remember standing on a stool, watching her pour the creamy batter into the pan, and hoping to capture that same magic. After several attempts, I discovered that using room temperature ingredients really makes a difference, ensuring a well-emulsified batter that rises beautifully.

Another tip I learned is to not skip the vanilla extract. It elevates the flavor profile in ways that are simply delightful. I often choose high-quality vanilla, and it truly shines through in each bite, making every occasion special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A buttery and moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion
Simple ingredients come together for an irresistible flavor
Easily customizable for your favorite toppings and fillings

Tips for a Perfect Vanilla Butter Cake

To achieve a perfectly fluffy vanilla butter cake, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This process should take about 5 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the butter, which results in a light texture. If you find your butter too cold or too melted, consider the cake could turn out dense. Aim for a creamy consistency that’s light in color.

This recipe calls for room temperature eggs and milk, which help create an even batter that mixes together smoothly. If your ingredients are cold, the batter might not emulsify properly, leading to uneven baking. To quickly warm your eggs, submerge them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using. This small step can significantly impact the cake’s texture.

Ingredient Insights

Using high-quality vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your cake tremendously. Avoid artificial vanilla, as it lacks the depth of flavor that pure extract provides. If you want to experiment, you can even infuse your own vanilla by steeping vanilla beans in the milk before adding it to the batter, making the flavor more pronounced and aromatic.

The role of baking powder in this recipe is crucial as it provides the lift needed for the cake to rise. Make sure your baking powder is fresh; an expired leavening agent can prevent your cake from fluffing up. To test if it’s still effective, add a teaspoon of baking powder to a small amount of hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s good to go.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delightful vanilla butter cake that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

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

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

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your vanilla butter cake to perfection.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or frost with your favorite icing!

Enjoy your freshly baked vanilla butter cake!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor twist, consider folding in citrus zest or almond extract into the batter before baking.

Serving Ideas and Variations

This classic vanilla butter cake serves as a wonderful canvas for various toppings and fillings. For an added touch, you can layer the cake with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries between the cake layers, along with whipped cream or a light frosting. If you prefer a chocolate twist, consider drizzling warm chocolate ganache on top for a rich contrast to the vanilla flavor.

For a delightful twist, try infusing the cake batter with lemon zest for a subtle citrus flavor that brightens the rich butteriness of the cake. This variation pairs beautifully with a light lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting. You can also experiment with flavor extracts such as almond or coconut for a different but equally delicious cake experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This butter cake can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules. Once baked, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing the uniced cake. It can last up to three months in the freezer; just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

If you're icing the cake, ensure it’s completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting. I recommend using a buttercream frosting that can withstand a bit of warmth as you cut and serve. For added moisture, you can brush the cake layers with a simple syrup before adding frosting, which helps keep the cake soft over time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.

→ How do I store the cake?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

→ What can I use instead of milk?

You may substitute milk with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk.