Hey guys! Who doesn't love a classic vanilla cake with buttercream frosting? It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. This recipe is straightforward, easy to follow, and delivers a moist, flavorful cake paired with a smooth, creamy buttercream that's simply irresistible. So, let's dive in and bake up some happiness!

Why This Recipe Works

This vanilla cake recipe is a tried-and-true favorite for several reasons. First, it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy flours or hard-to-find extracts; we're keeping it classic and accessible. The key to a moist cake lies in the combination of butter and oil. Butter provides that rich, comforting flavor we all crave, while oil ensures the cake stays tender and doesn't dry out. We also use buttermilk, which adds a subtle tang and helps to tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer crumb. Don't worry if you don't have buttermilk on hand; you can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk. The buttercream frosting is equally simple but relies on proper technique. We're using the American buttercream method, which is the easiest and quickest. The key is to start with softened butter and gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and ties everything together. Finally, the balance of ingredients in this recipe ensures that the cake isn't overly sweet, allowing the vanilla flavor to truly shine. The buttercream frosting complements the cake perfectly, adding just the right amount of sweetness and richness without being cloying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather our ingredients. For the vanilla cake, you'll need:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

And for the buttercream frosting, you'll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Make sure your butter is properly softened for both the cake and the frosting. This will ensure a smooth batter and frosting. Also, using high-quality vanilla extract makes a big difference in the final flavor, so splurge a little if you can!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Vanilla Cake

Alright, let's get baking! Here’s how to make this delightful vanilla cake:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Incorporate Buttermilk and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, beating on medium speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin, but don't worry, that's normal.
6. Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, let's move on to the buttercream frosting.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

Now for the fun part: creating that luscious buttercream frosting! Follow these steps for a perfect result:

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Liquid: Add the milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can add a bit more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter frosting.

Assembling and Decorating Your Cake

With both the cake and frosting ready, it's time to assemble and decorate your masterpiece! Here’s how:

1. Level the Cakes: If your cakes have a slight dome, use a serrated knife to level the tops. This will ensure a stable and even cake.
2. Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting evenly over the top.
3. Add Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
4. Frost the Entire Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream frosting. You can create a smooth finish or add swirls and textures with a spatula or piping bag.
5. Decorate: Get creative with your decorations! You can use sprinkles, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or anything else that inspires you. A simple swirl of frosting with a few berries on top can be just as stunning as an elaborate design.

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Cake

To ensure your vanilla cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter, room temperature eggs, and buttermilk all contribute to a smooth batter and even baking.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
• Soften Butter Properly: For the buttercream frosting, the butter needs to be softened but not melted. It should be soft enough to press a finger into easily but still hold its shape.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it's too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Variations and Additions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations and additions to try:

• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolate chip vanilla cake.
• Sprinkles: Mix sprinkles into the cake batter for a funfetti cake.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a lemon vanilla cake.
• Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond, coconut, or maple for a unique flavor.
• Colored Frosting: Use gel food coloring to tint the frosting any color you like.
• Fillings: Add a layer of jam, fruit compote, or chocolate ganache between the cake layers for extra flavor and moisture.

Serving and Storing Your Vanilla Cake

This vanilla cake is best served at room temperature. Slice and enjoy! Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you're storing it in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it, guys! A classic vanilla cake with buttercream frosting that's sure to impress. This recipe is simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake is the perfect choice. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some delicious memories. Happy baking!