Vanilla Cake Recipes

 Vanilla Cake Recipes 

Vanilla cake is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style. Its comforting flavor, soft crumb, and versatility make it the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or an afternoon indulgence with tea or coffee. While chocolate or red velvet may grab attention, vanilla cake often steals the show with its simplicity and elegance. What makes it even more exciting is the variety of ways you can prepare it—from a classic layered cake with buttercream to a quick one-bowl recipe or even a rich, custard-filled sponge.


In this guide, we’ll explore three different vanilla cake recipes:


Classic Fluffy Vanilla Layer Cake


Simple One-Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake


Vanilla Sponge Cake with Custard Filling


Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and serving ideas, so you can decide which one best suits your occasion—or try all three!


Recipe 1: Classic Fluffy Vanilla Layer Cake

A classic vanilla layer cake is the crown jewel of baking. Perfect for birthdays or anniversaries, it’s light, airy, and layered with creamy buttercream frosting.


Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour


2 ½ tsp baking powder


½ tsp salt


1 cup unsalted butter, softened


2 cups granulated sugar


4 large eggs, room temperature


1 tbsp pure vanilla extract


1 cup whole milk, room temperature


For Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:


1 cup unsalted butter, softened


4 cups powdered sugar, sifted


2 tsp pure vanilla extract


2–3 tbsp heavy cream


Instructions

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


Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.


Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).


Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.


Combine wet and dry: Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.


Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Cool completely before frosting.


Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and enough cream to reach a spreadable consistency.


Tips & Variations

Add fresh berries between the layers for a refreshing twist.


For a festive touch, mix sprinkles into the batter to make a “funfetti” cake.


This cake pairs beautifully with fruit fillings like raspberry jam or lemon curd.


This recipe yields a bakery-style vanilla cake that’s soft and moist, perfect for celebrations.


Recipe 2: Simple One-Bowl Vanilla Sheet Cake

Sometimes you want cake without the hassle of multiple pans and fancy layering. That’s where this one-bowl vanilla sheet cake comes in. It’s quick, straightforward, and perfect for potlucks, school events, or an easy family dessert.


Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour


2 ½ tsp baking powder


½ tsp salt


¾ cup unsalted butter, melted


1 ¾ cups granulated sugar


3 large eggs


1 tbsp pure vanilla extract


1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)


For Easy Vanilla Glaze:


2 cups powdered sugar


2 tbsp milk


1 tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan.


Mix everything in one bowl: Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking well.


Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with buttermilk until batter is smooth.


Bake: Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.


Cool slightly before topping with glaze.


Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cake.


Tips & Variations

Add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or nuts for extra texture.


Replace the glaze with whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a quick strawberry shortcake-style dessert.


This cake also works well with cream cheese frosting if you prefer a richer topping.


This recipe is perfect for busy bakers—it’s quick, minimal cleanup, and universally loved.


Recipe 3: Vanilla Sponge Cake with Custard Filling

If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try a vanilla sponge cake with a silky custard filling. This dessert balances the lightness of sponge with the richness of custard, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.


Ingredients (Sponge Cake)

1 cup all-purpose flour


1 tsp baking powder


¼ tsp salt


4 large eggs, room temperature


¾ cup granulated sugar


2 tbsp melted butter


1 tbsp pure vanilla extract


Custard Filling:


2 cups whole milk


½ cup granulated sugar


3 tbsp cornstarch


4 large egg yolks


2 tbsp unsalted butter


1 tsp vanilla extract


Whipped Cream Topping (optional):


1 cup heavy cream


2 tbsp powdered sugar


1 tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

Make the Sponge:


Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans.


Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.


In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 5 minutes).


Gently fold in flour mixture, followed by melted butter and vanilla.


Pour into pans and bake 20–25 minutes, or until springy to the touch.


Make the Custard:


Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.


In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly pour in hot milk while whisking.


Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened.


Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then cool.


Assemble:


Once cakes and custard are cool, spread custard between layers.


Top with whipped cream or dust with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.


Tips & Variations

Add a splash of rum or almond extract to the custard for extra flavor.


Top with fresh fruit like peaches, strawberries, or kiwi for color and freshness.


For an extra indulgent version, cover the entire cake with whipped cream.


This cake offers a delicate balance—light, airy sponge complemented by the creamy custard, making each bite luxurious yet not too heavy.


Choosing the Right Vanilla Cake for the Occasion

Celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries): Go with the classic layer cake for a show-stopping centerpiece.


Casual gatherings or everyday baking: The one-bowl sheet cake is quick, easy, and satisfying.


Special dinners or refined desserts: The sponge cake with custard filling adds a touch of elegance.


No matter which recipe you choose, vanilla cake is proof that simple flavors can be extraordinary. With the right techniques, you’ll achieve moist, tender cakes that highlight the comforting warmth of vanilla.


Final Thoughts

Vanilla cake is far more than “plain.” It’s a versatile foundation for creativity, adaptable for any occasion, and universally loved for its soft texture and sweet, fragrant flavor. Whether you’re after the traditional grandeur of a layered cake, the simplicity of a one-bowl bake, or the elegance of custard-filled sponge, these three recipes give you everything you need to explore vanilla cake in all its glory.


So next time you’re craving something sweet, choose one of these vanilla cake recipes, preheat your oven, and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking vanilla. Chances are, you won’t stop at just one slice.


Further Reading 

Carrot Cake Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1GD4G5/

Phyllo Dough Breakfast and Dessert Recipes and Meatloaf Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Phyllo-Dessert-Breakfast-Recipes-Meatloaf-ebook/dp/B0DMKZF4ZD/

Potted Meyer Lemon Trees & Indoor Pomegranate Tree Care

https://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Pomegranate-Potted-Meyer-Lemon-ebook/dp/B0DGGSZDNS/

Planting Lithops 

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lithops-Succulents-Kingston-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BBTKP

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