Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake

Highlighted under: Dreamy Dessert Lab

This Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavor and light texture, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:49:19.809Z

This Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake is a timeless treat that has been loved for generations. Its light and fluffy texture, paired with a rich vanilla flavor, makes it a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert.

Why You'll Love This Cake

  • Rich vanilla flavor that delights the senses
  • Moist texture that stays fresh for days
  • Versatile base for any frosting or topping

The Perfect Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a weekend treat, this Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake is sure to impress. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings or can be enjoyed plain with a dusting of powdered sugar. This versatility allows you to customize the cake for any celebration, making it a staple in your dessert repertoire.

What sets this cake apart is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that rivals those found in bakeries. The straightforward preparation process means you can whip it up on a whim, ensuring that you always have a delicious treat on hand for unexpected guests or family gatherings.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect rise and texture in your cake, it's crucial to properly cream the butter and sugar. This process incorporates air, resulting in a light and fluffy cake. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results; it should be soft but not melted. If you're in a hurry, cut the butter into smaller pieces and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes.

Another essential tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what you want for a moist vanilla butter cake. Mix until just combined for a light and airy cake that stays moist for days.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and freshness for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

When it comes to serving, the options are endless! Top your cake with a simple vanilla buttercream, fresh berries, or even a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this vanilla butter cake is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine dry and wet ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with your favorite frosting.

Enjoy your delicious classic vanilla butter cake!

Ingredients Explained

The foundation of this Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness, while unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Using room temperature butter is key to achieving the desired texture, as it allows for better aeration when creamed with sugar.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its moistness and helps create that perfect crumb. Eggs add moisture and stability, allowing the cake to rise beautifully. The vanilla extract is essential in infusing the cake with a delightful aroma and flavor that is truly classic.

Frosting Ideas

This vanilla butter cake serves as an excellent canvas for a variety of frostings. A classic choice is a rich vanilla buttercream, which complements the cake's flavor perfectly. Simply beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract to create a creamy frosting that can be spread or piped onto the cake.

For a twist, consider a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast. This frosting works wonderfully with the moist cake and adds a delicious layer of flavor. Alternatively, a light whipped cream frosting can keep things airy and refreshing, especially when paired with fresh fruits or berries on top.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

→ How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs well with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or any frosting of your choice.

Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake

This Classic Moist Vanilla Butter Cake is the perfect blend of rich flavor and light texture, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Dreamy Dessert Lab

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  7. ½ teaspoon salt
  8. ½ cup milk

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with your favorite frosting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g