Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk

Highlighted under: Sweet Oven Classics

When I think of classic desserts, vanilla butter cake always comes to mind. It's the perfect base for so many treats, and making it from scratch is incredibly rewarding. I love how the buttery flavor and rich vanilla aroma fill the kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and special celebrations. This cake is simple to make, yet it impresses with its flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with fresh fruit, this vanilla butter cake never disappoints.

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:41:35.081Z

Every time I bake this classic vanilla butter cake, I remember my grandmother's kitchen filled with warmth and laughter. The method I use has been perfected over the years, focusing on creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key, as it incorporates air for a beautifully risen cake. I also learned that using room temperature ingredients makes for a smoother batter, which results in a cake that's tender and moist.

As I sliced into the cake just out of the oven, the aroma of vanilla wafted through the house, making it hard to resist a piece before frosting! I often experiment with flavors like almond or lemon zest, but the classic vanilla remains my favorite. It’s versatile enough for any occasion and pairs beautifully with various toppings, from whipped cream to a simple dusting of powdered sugar. I can't wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A timeless vanilla flavor that everyone loves
Perfectly moist with a rich buttery texture
Versatile base for countless frostings and toppings

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this vanilla butter cake plays a crucial role in achieving its delightful texture and flavor. The unsalted butter is not only responsible for the cake’s rich, buttery taste but also contributes to its moistness. Since the butter is softened, it helps create a creamy consistency when creamed with sugar, incorporating air to give the cake a light rise during baking. For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this typically takes about an hour after removing it from the fridge. If you're short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the softening process.

Using high-quality vanilla extract elevates the flavor of the cake, providing an aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall experience. If you prefer an alternative, you can use vanilla bean paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean pod for a more intense flavor. Just be mindful that these substitutes can vary in potency, so start with a little less and adjust to your taste. For a different twist, consider adding the zest of a lemon or orange; this can brighten the flavor profile beautifully.

Baking Techniques for Success

When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, which should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. This step is essential as it helps trap air in the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake. Be cautious not to overmix—stop once all the ingredients are just combined during the dry ingredient addition, as overmixing can lead to a dense texture. If you see clumps of flour, it’s perfectly okay—those will dissolve as you bake.

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as the time approaches 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the edges should appear slightly golden. If your cakes domed too much, you can level them with a serrated knife while they are still warm; just be careful not to take off too much. Proper cooling on a wire rack is also important as it prevents the cake from becoming soggy from residual steam.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to bake your delicious vanilla butter cake.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix and Add Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, enjoy your delicious cake plain or with your favorite frosting!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a unique twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This vanilla butter cake can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on decorating later. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing; it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when tightly wrapped. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours before frosting to avoid excess condensation.

If you’re planning to serve this cake for a special occasion, consider baking it the night before. As it sits, the flavors meld beautifully, and some bakers even say it tastes better after a day. Just remember to frost it on the day you plan to serve it for optimal texture and taste, as the frosting can absorb moisture from the cake if left too long.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this classic vanilla butter cake is delightful on its own, there are countless ways to elevate it when serving. Pile on whipped cream and fresh berries for a summery dessert. Alternatively, a rich chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting can create a decadent treat for chocolate lovers. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle some caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top for a delightful salty-sweet balance.

This cake is also a fantastic base for variations. You can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist or add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version. For a fun seasonal treat, experiment by infusing the batter with pumpkin puree in the fall or citrus zest in the spring. The possibilities are endless—have fun customizing this cake to match the occasion!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, using real butter enhances the flavor and texture of the cake.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for milk?

You can substitute non-dairy milk or yogurt, but it might slightly affect the texture.