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
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
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
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
Add Eggs One at a Time
Add the eggs one by one, beating on medium speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Incorporate Oil and Vanilla
Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then beat on low speed just until combined.
Time: PT2M
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
Add First Half of Buttermilk
Pour in ½ cup of the buttermilk and beat on low until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Add Remaining Dry Mix
Add the remaining dry‑ingredient mixture and beat on low until just incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Add Remaining Buttermilk
Add the remaining ½ cup of buttermilk and beat on low just until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Time: PT2M
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
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
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
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
Optional Decoration
Sprinkle decorative sprinkles or edible glitter over the top if desired.
Time: PT1M
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








