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The Best Homemade Vanilla Cake

A soft, fluffy, moist homemade vanilla cake made completely from scratch with rich vanilla flavor and a tender bakery-style crumb.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Cake
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup neutral oil
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs large, room temp
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temp
Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp cream or milk
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Cake pans
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil and mix.
  4. Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
  6. Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
  8. Beat butter for frosting, then add powdered sugar gradually. Add vanilla and cream until smooth.
  9. Frost cooled cakes and serve.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture. Do not overmix the batter.