Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

One Bowl Vanilla Cake From Scratch

No ratings yet
This easy vanilla cake recipe for beginners is light, moist, and topped with creamy buttercream. The perfect homemade vanilla cake!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: sweet-trails
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set the mixture aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes until the texture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs individually, beating well after each one, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate the flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture alternately, starting and ending with the flour, and mix until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to finish cooling.
  8. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating for about 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Spread the buttercream between the cake layers and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal

Notes

Flour Texture: I have found that while all-purpose flour gives a great structure, you can sift it twice to get a much lighter crumb that feels professional.
Temperature Secret: