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–+ servings
A slice cut from a classic vanilla birthday cake with chocolate frosting and white cream filling.

Simple Vanilla Layer Cake

This recipe yields a classic vanilla layer cake suitable for birthdays or celebrations. It results in a moist crumb and a light vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 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 Whole milk recommended
For the Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Sifted
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  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 crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk 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 softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45g

Notes

For a taller cake, you can use three 6-inch pans instead of two 8-inch pans. Adjust baking time slightly if you change the pan size.

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