Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Baking & Desserts Classic Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

Highlighted under: Baker’s Delight

I absolutely love making a classic vanilla butter cake! Every time I bake this cake, the sweet aroma of vanilla fills my kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that never fails to impress family and friends. The rich buttery flavor combined with its moist texture makes it the perfect base for various toppings or frostings. I always serve it at birthdays or special occasions, and it consistently earns rave reviews. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:09:34.690Z

When I first baked this classic vanilla butter cake, I didn't realize how versatile and delightful it could be. After experimenting with different ingredient ratios, I discovered that using high-quality vanilla extract truly enhances the flavor, making each bite a little slice of heaven. My friends now request this cake for every gathering!

One tip I've found crucial is to let the eggs come to room temperature before mixing them into the batter; it helps create a lighter and fluffier cake. Incorporating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy really makes a difference in texture, so take your time with that step. You'll be amazed at the results!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Subtle sweetness that satisfies your cravings
Perfectly moist with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
Ideal for any occasion – birthdays, tea parties, or just because!

Understanding Ingredient Functions

Each ingredient in this vanilla butter cake plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. The unsalted butter not only adds richness but also contributes to the cake's moisture. By using butter at room temperature, you create a smoother batter, which leads to a more even crumb. Granulated sugar, besides sweetening the cake, helps with aeration when creamed with the butter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure. Using large eggs at room temperature is ideal, as they mix in more easily and help prevent any lumps in your batter. The pure vanilla extract enhances the cake's aroma and flavor, while the all-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure that creates the cake's tender crumb.

Tips for Perfect Baking

When combining the dry and wet ingredients, it’s important to mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense cake rather than a light one. I like to use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour mixture gently; this helps keep the batter airy. Additionally, pre-measure your ingredients to ensure they are all ready to go, which makes the mixing process smoother and more efficient.

Another key step is to ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This allows for immediate heat exposure, helping your cake rise properly. If you notice your cake developing a dome during baking, gently press it down with a spatula once it comes out to encourage a flatter top, perfect for frosting!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this delightful cake:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your classic vanilla butter cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with your favorite frosting!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of almond extract or pair it with a fruit compote on the side.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your vanilla butter cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need it to last longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

If you're freezing slices, it's ideal to slice the cake before wrapping. This allows you to take out just what you need without needing to defrost the entire cake. When ready to serve, I recommend letting the slices sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes for optimum flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla butter cake is extremely versatile when it comes to toppings. For a classic approach, a simple dusting of powdered sugar gives it a lovely touch without overpowering its buttery flavor. You can also pair it with seasonal fruits like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance its sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider making a layered cake by adding a favorite frosting, such as cream cheese or chocolate ganache, between the layers. Alternatively, a light whipped cream frosting could complement the cake's flavor beautifully. Don’t shy away from adding flavor variations to your cake! Incorporate citrus zest, almond extract, or even a splash of coffee to give interesting twists to the traditional recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

While margarine can work, using unsalted butter will give the best flavor and texture.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I top this cake with?

This cake is delicious plain, but you can top it with buttercream icing, fresh berries, or whipped cream.