What makes this vanilla cake moist?

The primary moistening ingredient in this cake is buttermilk. The lactic acid in buttermilk breaks down the gluten proteins in the flour and produces a finer and more tender crumb that retains moisture more effectively than a milk-based cake. The fat content of the butter and eggs also contributes to the lasting moistness of the finished layers.

Can I make this vanilla cake as cupcakes?

Yes. Fill lined muffin cups two thirds full with batter, approximately a quarter cup of batter per cup, for about 18 standard cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I make this vanilla cake a day ahead?

Yes. Bake and cool the cake layers completely, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Make the buttercream the day of the celebration and frost the chilled layers. Chilled layers are actually slightly easier to frost because they are firmer and more stable during the crumb coat and final frosting application.

Vanilla Cake Easy Moist Fluffy Classic Birthday Recipe

Name: Vanilla Cake The Most Moist and Fluffy Classic Birthday Cake You Will Ever Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497482H5M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups 300g All-Purpose Flour; 2 1/4 tsp Baking Powder; 3/4 tsp Salt; 1 2/3 cups 333g Granulated Sugar; 3/4 cup 170g Unsalted Butter softened; 3 large Eggs room temperature; 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 cup 240ml Whole or Low-Fat Buttermilk room temperature; 1 1/2 cups 340g Unsalted Butter softened for frosting; 1/4 tsp Salt for frosting; 5 cups 600g Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup 60ml Heavy Cream or Whole Milk; 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract for frosting; Sprinkles for decorating optional

Description

The most moist and fluffy classic Vanilla Cake made with the creaming method using room temperature butter granulated sugar eggs vanilla and all-purpose flour alternated with buttermilk to produce the most tender and beautifully crumbed two-layer 8-inch birthday cake frosted with a silky vanilla buttercream of butter powdered sugar cream and vanilla. A completely perfect and reliable classic from-scratch vanilla birthday cake.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups 300g All-Purpose Flour

2 1/4 tsp Baking Powder

3/4 tsp Salt

1 2/3 cups 333g Granulated Sugar

3/4 cup 170g Unsalted Butter softened

3 large Eggs room temperature

1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract

1 cup 240ml Whole or Low-Fat Buttermilk room temperature

1 1/2 cups 340g Unsalted Butter softened for frosting

1/4 tsp Salt for frosting

5 cups 600g Powdered Sugar

1/4 cup 60ml Heavy Cream or Whole Milk

2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract for frosting

Sprinkles for decorating optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 8-inch round pans. Line bottoms with parchment.

2. Sift or whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Beat softened butter on medium until smooth. Add sugar. Beat on high 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time on medium. Scrape bowl between each. Add vanilla. Mix on high 1 minute.

5. On low add flour in 3 batches alternating with buttermilk: flour buttermilk flour buttermilk flour.

6. Once almost combined remove whisk and fold remaining flour by hand with spatula. Do not overmix.

7. Divide batter between pans. Tap each pan 4 to 5 times to burst air bubbles.

8. Bake 30 minutes until edges pull away from pan and toothpick clean.

9. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Invert onto racks. Remove parchment. Cool completely.

10. For frosting: beat butter and salt on medium-high 5 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually on low adding 1 tbsp cream between each cup. Add vanilla. Beat high 1 minute.

11. Spread 1 cup frosting over first cooled layer. Add second layer. Frost top and sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 750
Sugar: 78g
Sodium: 329mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 99g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 144mg

Keywords: vanilla cake, moist vanilla cake recipe from scratch, best classic vanilla birthday cake, fluffy buttermilk vanilla layer cake