Silky-Smooth Moist Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe for Any Occasion

Baking a delectable vanilla layer cake with creamy frosting can turn any ordinary day into a celebration of sweetness.

This classic honey-infused vanilla layer cake promises to melt hearts with its rich, tender crumb.

Soft layers of vanilla-kissed goodness create a dessert that whispers pure comfort and joy.

Every slice reveals a perfect balance of delicate flavor and luxurious texture.

Home bakers can easily master this straightforward recipe that requires simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

The golden-brown edges and soft center make this cake a true crowd-pleaser.

Dive into this irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 11

Every Ingredient In Moist Vanilla Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring a tender and soft texture with clean, fresh milling.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the cake rise and create a light, airy structure.
• Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a moist, tender crumb; use high-quality, room-temperature butter.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft cake texture; granulated white sugar works best.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add structure, and contribute to the cake's moistness; use fresh, room-temperature eggs.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, soft cake; look for fresh, full-fat buttermilk.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers deep, aromatic flavor; choose pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable buttercream; sift to remove lumps for a silky texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps adjust frosting consistency; use fresh, cold cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances frosting flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the frosting's depth.

Baking Tools For Moist Vanilla Layer Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for beating butter, sugar, and creating smooth buttercream.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Crucial for baking perfect cake layers with even thickness.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cake from sticking and ensures easy removal from pans.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and smooth frosting on cake layers.
• Wire rack: Allows cakes to cool completely without condensation.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for creating smooth, professional frosting finish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cake batter and buttercream.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.

Simple Steps For Moist Vanilla Layer Cake

• Cake Preparation

Warm up your kitchen and get ready for a delightful baking journey. Grab your favorite cake pans and prepare them with a light coating of butter and a gentle dusting of flour. Your baking canvas is about to come alive.

• Mixing Magic

Create a dance of ingredients in your mixing bowl. Blend softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Crack in fresh eggs one by one, letting each one blend smoothly. A splash of vanilla brings the whole mixture to life with its rich aroma.

• Flour Power

Gently fold dry ingredients into your creamy mixture. Alternate with smooth buttermilk, letting each addition embrace the others. The key is gentle movements – no aggressive stirring allowed. Your batter should look like soft, silky clouds.

• Baking Bliss

Slide your cake pans into a warm oven, watching the batter slowly rise and turn golden. Listen for the gentle sizzle and breathe in the sweet vanilla fragrance filling your kitchen. After about 25 minutes, a toothpick will reveal a perfectly baked cake.

• Frosting Fantasy

Whip butter into a dreamy, creamy texture. Gradually welcome powdered sugar, transforming the mixture into a luxurious blanket of sweetness. A touch of vanilla and cream creates a frosting that’s pure magic.

• Cake Celebration

Carefully place one cake layer on your favorite serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting like you’re painting a delicious masterpiece. Crown with the second layer and cover completely in your velvety frosting. Let your creativity shine with any decorative touches you desire.

Tricks To Perfect Your Moist Vanilla Layer Cake

• Cake Perfection Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and lighter cake texture.
• No-Overmix Technique: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cake layers and maintain delicate crumb structure.
• Moisture Preservation Trick: Brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to lock in moisture and enhance overall cake softness and flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version without compromising cake's tender consistency.
• Flavor Adventure Variations: Experiment by adding almond extract, lemon zest, or replacing vanilla with lavender extract to create unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight taste buds.

Ways To Present Moist Vanilla Layer Cake Beautifully

• Sweet Celebration Companion: Serve this delightful vanilla layer cake at birthday parties, creating memorable moments with loved ones.
• Elegant Dessert Showcase: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand during special dinners or afternoon tea gatherings, making it a stunning centerpiece.
• Coffee Break Delight: Pair a slice with a hot cappuccino or freshly brewed tea, turning an ordinary break into a luxurious treat.
• Weekend Indulgence: Enjoy this cake as a weekend dessert with family, cutting generous slices and sharing joyful conversations around the table.

Storage Advice For Moist Vanilla Layer Cake

• Cake Storage Solutions
• Refrigeration Safety: Store frosted cake in an airtight container or covered cake stand in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
• Room Temperature Care: Keep unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days. Store in cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain moisture.
• Portion Control Trick: Cut remaining cake into individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Enjoy single servings within 2 months by thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Silky Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Classic vanilla layer cake blends delicate crumb with rich buttercream frosting for an elegant dessert. Bakers can craft this sweet centerpiece with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, creating memorable moments around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml / 10.14 fl oz) buttermilk, room temperature
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 23 tbsps (340 ml / 11.5 fl oz) heavy cream or milk
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Grease two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper liners. Heat oven to 350F (175C), positioning rack in center.
2. Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended, eliminating potential lumps.
3. Butter Creaming: Use electric mixer to cream butter and sugar, transforming mixture into a light, airy consistency with pale color, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Egg Integration: Add eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract, ensuring complete absorption.
5. Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix on low speed, starting and concluding with dry ingredients. Cease mixing immediately when ingredients are just combined to maintain tender texture.
6. Pan Distribution: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with spatula for level layers.
7. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven, baking 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted reveals minimal moist crumbs.
8. Cooling Phase: Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Buttercream Creation: Whip softened butter until creamy and pale. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar on low speed.
10. Frosting Refinement: Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until achieving fluffy, silky consistency.
11. Cake Assembly: Position first layer on serving stand, spreading buttercream evenly. Carefully place second layer.
12. Finishing Touches: Apply thin crumb coat, refrigerate 20 minutes. Cover cake with remaining buttercream using offset spatula for smooth finish.
13. Decoration: Embellish with optional piped designs, sprinkles, or edible flowers for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stop mixing batter as soon as ingredients combine to maintain cake’s tender, soft texture and avoid tough, dense layers.
• Temperature Precision: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent cake structure, especially butter and eggs.
• Uniform Baking: Level cake batter with a spatula to create even layers and prevent uneven rising or sunken centers during baking.
• Moisture Retention: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to lock in moisture and prevent buttercream from melting, ensuring a professional, smooth finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg