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–+ servings
A slice of a creative birthday cake with layers of vanilla cake and buttercream frosting, featuring intricate swirl designs.

Simple Vanilla Layer Cake

This recipe produces a basic vanilla layer cake suitable for decorating.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour Sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Milk
For the Frosting (Basic Buttercream)
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Sifted
  • 1/4 cup Milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Cake pans (two 8-inch)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk together.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack them. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For a taller cake, you can bake three thinner layers. Adjust baking time slightly if you do this.

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