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A slice of a creative birthday cake with layers of vanilla cake and cream frosting, decorated with pretty floral piping.

Simple Vanilla Layer Cake

This recipe makes 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
Ingredients Equipment Method 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 cup Milk Whole milk recommended
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
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

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. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract 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 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 in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy cream, beating until smooth.
  9. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  10. 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.

Notes

You can use this basic cake recipe as a base for various fillings or decorations. For a stronger vanilla flavor, use clear vanilla extract in the frosting.