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The Best Classic Vanilla Cake

The Best Classic Vanilla Cake

The Best Classic Vanilla Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor. Versatile and easy to customize, it’s the perfect base for any frosting or filling, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Cake Batter

  • ½ Cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ Cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ Cups granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 Cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ Cups whole milk

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 2 Cups unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 Cup vegetable shortening
  • 8 Cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Bake the Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare four 6-inch cake pans by greasing them with pan spray or butter. Cut three 6-inch round pieces of parchment paper and line the bottom of each cake pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in color.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
  • Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing until all ingredients are added and the batter is smooth.
  • Beat the batter on medium speed for 3-4 minutes to ensure that all ingredients are well combined.
  • Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when touched.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before layering and frosting.
  • While the cakes are baking, prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting.

Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, shortening, and vanilla extract using the paddle attachment. Cream together until the mixture is smooth.
  • Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the frosting is thick and smooth.
  • Store the frosting in an airtight container until ready to use, or refrigerate if saving for another day.
  • Assemble the Classic Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • Place one cake layer on a cake board or cake stand. If the top is rounded, use a serrated knife to trim it flat. Pipe or spread a layer of vanilla frosting on top of the cake layer, then repeat with the remaining three layers of cake and frosting.
  • Using an offset spatula, apply a crumb coat (first coat) of frosting to the sides and top of the cake.
  • Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the frosting set, making it easier to ice and decorate.
  • Choose a frosting color or leave it white, then ice the sides and top of the cake.
  • Optional: Use a spatula to create textured lines on the cake and garnish with rainbow sprinkles.

Notes

Vanilla Cake
Can the Cake Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked the day before, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature overnight before frosting. Alternatively, you can bake and frost the cake the night before serving. If fully iced, refrigerate the cake overnight, and take it out 2-3 hours before serving. It’s best enjoyed at room temperature!
Do Not Overbake the Cake
It’s crucial to check the cake layers around 20 minutes into baking and be ready to remove them at 25 minutes if needed. If left in the oven for too long, the cake layers will dry out.
Crumb Coat
The crumb coat is an essential step in frosting the cake, as it helps seal in the crumbs and creates a much smoother, cleaner finished product. After applying the crumb coat, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to set properly.
Use a Cake Decorating Turntable
Investing in a cake decorating turntable will make your cake-decorating process so much easier. Once the cake is placed on the turntable, it will gently spin as you ice, helping you achieve a professional finish with minimal effort.
Vanilla Buttercream
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients for the buttercream are at room temperature before using. This step is essential for a smooth, creamy frosting without any chunks of butter.
Do Not Overwhip
Overwhipping the vanilla buttercream will introduce air bubbles that are difficult to remove and may show up on the cake during decoration. Once the frosting is fully combined and creamy, continue mixing with a spatula to avoid creating unwanted bubbles.
Make Ahead
To save time on cake-decorating day, you can prepare the vanilla buttercream frosting in advance. If made ahead, refrigerate the frosting, then take it out about 30 minutes before use to allow it to soften.