There’s something timeless and universally loved about a good vanilla cake. Our Vanilla Dream Cake is light, moist, and bursting with sweet vanilla flavor — perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make this dreamy dessert from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk into the butter mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and enough cream to reach your desired consistency. Beat for an additional 2–3 minutes for a fluffy texture.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. Decorate with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or edible flowers if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Chill the cake slightly before slicing for clean layers.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Vanilla Dream Cake is a foolproof go-to recipe. It’s elegant, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor — everything a perfect vanilla cake should be.