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A slice of a new cake design featuring white frosting, delicate pink floral piping, and pearl decorations.

Simple Vanilla Layer Cake

This recipe provides instructions for baking a basic, moist vanilla layer cake suitable for any celebration.
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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
Calories: 450
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 tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Milk
For the Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar Sifted
  • 1/4 cup Milk or 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 bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  9. Add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting or more milk for a thinner consistency.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Notes

You can decorate this cake with fresh fruit or simple piping designs after frosting. For best results, allow the finished cake to set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.