Perfect Party Cake

Name: Vanilla Layer Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 33 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g).; 3 cups granulated sugar (600g).; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder (10g).; 1 tsp fine salt (6g).; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp (226g).; 1 cup egg whites (240g, about 7 eggs).; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temp (360g).; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30g).; 2 tsp vanilla extract (8g).; Optional: gel food coloring.; 2 cups unsalted butter, room temp (452g).; 1 tbsp vanilla extract or paste (12g).; 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g).; 7 cups powdered sugar (875g).; 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g).

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Create the perfect vanilla layer cake with this one-bowl recipe, featuring moist cake layers and classic vanilla buttercream. Ideal for special occasions.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:14 GMT

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A slice of three-layer vanilla cake with white frosting and colorful sprinkles on top is presented on a plate. | recipesbyclare.com

This vanilla layer cake has become my signature celebration recipe. The butter and vanilla create such a rich tender crumb that stays perfectly moist. After years of baking I love how this cake holds up beautifully for decorating while tasting absolutely heavenly.

Pure Comfort

I designed this recipe to be simple using just one bowl because who needs extra cleanup. The combination of real butter and tangy buttermilk creates the most incredible texture. My family requests this cake for every birthday and special occasion.

From My Kitchen

Unbleached flour sifted twice for lightness
Sweet cream butter softened naturally
Fresh buttermilk or homemade works great
Pure cane sugar
Farm fresh eggs at room temperature
Fresh baking powder check the date
Pure vanilla extract never imitation

Let's Bake

The Base: Whip butter sugar until fluffy add eggs slowly stir in vanilla
Building Layers: Mix dry ingredients alternate with buttermilk when combining just until smooth
Into the Oven: Pour into prepared pans bake at 350°F until golden check with toothpick cool completely
Time to Create: Level your layers with serrated knife chill before stacking frost as desired

My Baking Secrets

Everything needs to be room temperature for the smoothest batter. Give those pans a turn halfway through baking. Use cake strips for perfectly flat layers or trim tops level. Careful measuring makes all the difference.

A slice of three-layer vanilla cake with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles on top, served on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Plan Ahead

Make your layers ahead freeze up to three months wrapped tight. Frosting keeps a month in the fridge three months frozen. Once decorated your cake stays fresh about a week in the fridge.

Make it Special

Add some color to your batter try different flavors like almond or citrus. Layer with your favorite fillings frost it fancy. This cake becomes whatever you dream up perfect for any celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?: Yes, layers can be frozen and buttercream made ahead. Frosted cake keeps 1 week refrigerated.
→ Why room temperature ingredients?: Ensures better mixing and even texture in final cake.
→ Can I make cupcakes instead?: Yes, fill liners 3/4 full, bake 19-21 minutes at 350°F.
→ How many servings?: Serves about 24 people with 3 8-inch layers.
→ Why chill layers before stacking?: Makes layers easier to stack and frost without crumbling.