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Classic Moist Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting

A close-up of a thick slice of moist vanilla cake recipe with creamy white frosting layers on a white plate.
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Follow this recipe for a soft, fluffy, and moist vanilla layer cake perfect for birthdays and special occasions, topped with creamy vanilla buttercream.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
  5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, alternating with the milk/sour cream mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter together until creamy.
  10. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more liquid if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost and stack the layers.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for the best cake texture.
  • Sift the dry ingredients if you want an extra fine crumb.
  • This cake freezes well unfrosted for up to one month.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/vanilla-cake-recipe-moist-fluffy-layer-cake/