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Super Moist Classic Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe

A tall, four-layer vanilla cake recipe cut to show the moist crumb and thick white frosting layers.
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This is the easy vanilla cake recipe you need for a soft, fluffy, and moist homemade cake perfect for birthdays or any celebration. It delivers bakery-style results with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the milk, 1/2 cup softened butter, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  4. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. 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 buttercream frosting, beat the remaining 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer.
  9. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
  10. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the remaining tablespoon of milk only if the frosting seems too stiff.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack them to create your classic vanilla layer cake.

Notes

  • Using room temperature milk and eggs helps the batter emulsify better, leading to a more tender crumb.
  • For a true bakery-style finish, use a cake strip around the outside of your pans to promote even baking.
  • This cake stays moist for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-classic-layer/