This homemade vanilla cake recipe isn’t short on vanilla flavor! There’s a tablespoon of vanilla extract in the cake itself and in the vanilla buttercream frosting.
INGREDIENTS
VANILLA CAKE
- 3 cups (345 grams) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (2 sticks, or 230 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
VANILLA FROSTING
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks, or 340 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ½ cups (540 grams) powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons (45 ml) heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Tiny pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
TO MAKE THE VANILLA CAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until well combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract together until well combined. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter on low speed until smooth, then slowly mix in the granulated sugar.
Once all of the sugar is added, increase to medium speed and continue mixing for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to stop and scrape around the bottom and sides of the bowl after each egg.
Add the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the buttermilk mixture (begin and end with the dry ingredients) on low speed. Mix in each addition until just combined, making sure not to over mix the batter.
Use a rubber spatula to scrape around the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure that everything is well combined.
Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans and spread it around into one even layer.
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Slide a knife around the outside of the cakes, then carefully remove the cakes from the pans, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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