Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe

Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Cooking Foodie on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $7.43 total, $0.62 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 0.5 teaspoons Salt
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 3 Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 2/3 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, for frosting)
  • 1 3/4 cups Cream Cheese (softened, full‑fat)
  • 1 1/4 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure, for frosting)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (cold, for whipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the two 20 cm round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl whisk together the sifted all‑purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In a large mixing bowl beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Eggs One at a Time

    Add the eggs one by one, beating on medium speed after each addition until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Incorporate Oil and Vanilla

    Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then beat on low speed just until combined.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add First Half of Dry Mix

    Add half of the dry‑ingredient mixture to the batter and beat on low until just combined.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add First Half of Buttermilk

    Pour in ½ cup of the buttermilk and beat on low until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Remaining Dry Mix

    Add the remaining dry‑ingredient mixture and beat on low until just incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Add Remaining Buttermilk

    Add the remaining ½ cup of buttermilk and beat on low just until the batter is smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Divide Batter and Bake

    Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Cool Cakes

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto a cooling rack, and let them cool completely.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Make Cream Cheese Frosting

    While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream‑cheese mixture until light and fluffy.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Assemble Cake

    Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top, then spread frosting evenly over the top and all sides of the cake.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Optional Decoration

    Sprinkle decorative sprinkles or edible glitter over the top if desired.

    Time: PT1M

  15. Chill Before Serving

    Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

    Time: PT2H

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: vegetarian

Allergens: eggs, dairy, gluten

Last updated: March 23, 2026

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Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe

Recipe by The Cooking Foodie

A light, fluffy vanilla cake made with buttermilk and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a classic American layer cake.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 57m
Prep
40m
Cook
26m
Cleanup
4h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.43
Total cost
$0.62
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean
  • Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks before folding into frosting
  • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and cake pans with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Use pasteurized eggs or ensure eggs are cooked through to reduce risk of salmonella
  • Do not over‑mix the batter once the flour is added to prevent a tough cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in American cuisine?

A

Vanilla cake is a staple of American home baking, symbolizing simplicity and celebration. The addition of cream cheese frosting, popularized in the mid‑20th century, adds a tangy richness that became a favorite for birthdays and holidays across the United States.

cultural
Q

How does Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting differ from traditional German Käsekuchen?

A

While both feature cream cheese, the American version uses a light, buttery vanilla sponge as the base, whereas Käsekuchen is a dense, cheesecake‑like dessert with a crumb crust. The frosting in the American cake is airy, whipped with heavy cream, giving a different texture and flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of vanilla cake exist within the United States?

A

In the South, vanilla cake is often paired with buttercream or pecan frosting, while the Midwest favors cream cheese frosting. Some coastal versions incorporate citrus zest or almond extract for a subtle twist, reflecting local ingredient preferences.

cultural
Q

During which American celebrations is Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting traditionally served?

A

It is a common centerpiece for birthdays, graduation parties, Fourth of July picnics, and family reunions, where its mild flavor appeals to a wide range of guests and can be easily decorated for any occasion.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for an authentic American Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

A

Key ingredients include all‑purpose flour, buttermilk for tenderness, pure vanilla extract, full‑fat cream cheese, and heavy cream for the frosting. These create the classic moist crumb and tangy, fluffy frosting associated with the traditional recipe.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

A

Serve it alongside fresh fruit compotes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also complements a light coffee or tea service, making it a versatile dessert for brunch or dinner parties.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter after adding flour, which creates a tough texture, under‑creaming butter and sugar which leads to a dense crumb, and not whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks, resulting in a runny frosting.

technical
Q

Why does this Vanilla Cake recipe use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

A

Buttermilk adds acidity that reacts with the baking soda, giving the cake extra lift and a tender crumb. It also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweet vanilla flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make the Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake and cool the layers up to two days ahead, storing them wrapped in plastic. Keep the frosting refrigerated; bring it to room temperature and re‑whip briefly before assembling. Once assembled, chill the cake for at least two hours before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Cooking Foodie specialize in?

A

The Cooking Foodie focuses on approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials, emphasizing classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and detailed baking guides for home bakers of all skill levels.

channel

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