Name: Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ounces milk (to be mixed with the oil); 3 ounces canola oil; 6 ounces milk (to be mixed with the eggs); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean pod); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 13 ounces cake flour; 13 ounces granulated sugar; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 ounces unsalted butter (softened to room temperature but not melted); 16 ounces powdered sugar; 4 ounces pasteurized egg whites; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 16 ounces unsalted butter (softened to room temperature but not melted); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tiny drop purple food coloring (optional, to offset yellow color); 3 drops electric pink food coloring (for the flowers); 1 tablespoon white sprinkles (for decorating)

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for homemade treats, you’re going to swoon over this Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe. Imagine biting into a light, airy vanilla cake that’s perfectly moist, with a creamy, luscious buttercream frosting that is smooth and not too sweet. This classic duo is easy enough to bake on a weekday but special enough to impress at any celebration. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings magic to your kitchen, combining simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing delight that tastes like a hug in cake form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows one layer of smooth, creamy white batter spread evenly inside a metal cake pan. The batter has a thick, swirled texture, with some glossy and matte parts reflecting light softly. At the center, there is a small darker spot underneath the batter’s surface, with gentle curves and waves visible across the top. The metal pan has a slightly worn silver color around the edges and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with baking is always exciting, and this Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are pantry staples. Each one plays a vital role — from creating that tender crumb to delivering a rich, buttery flavor and a velvety frosting that melts in your mouth.

Milk (4 ounces and 6 ounces): Essential for moisture and tenderness, milk helps the cake stay soft and gives richness.
Canola oil (3 ounces): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without making it heavy or greasy.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon, or 1 vanilla bean pod): Brings that iconic sweet, floral aroma that vanilla lovers crave.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and stability while enriching the cake’s flavor.
Cake flour (13 ounces): Gives the cake a delicate crumb and tender texture, perfect for vanilla cakes.
Granulated sugar (13 ounces): Balances sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture.
Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Allows the cake to rise beautifully, keeping it light and airy.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to give an even rise and improve texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and deepening the vanilla notes.
Unsalted butter (24 ounces total, softened): The star of the frosting and vital for a smooth, creamy texture in the cake batter.
Powdered sugar (16 ounces): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream without any graininess.
Pasteurized egg whites (4 ounces): Whipped into the frosting for lightness and stable structure.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon for frosting): Brings out the complexity in flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Optional purple and pink food coloring: Adds a fun pop of color to the frosting and decorations for a touch of whimsy.
White sprinkles: Perfect for adding a charming finishing touch to your decorated cake.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 335º F (168º C). Get three 8″x2″ cake pans ready by greasing them thoroughly with cake goop or your favorite pan release. This simple prep step ensures your cakes slide out perfectly without sticking, which can sometimes make or break your cake presentation.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Separate your milk into two portions: 4 ounces combined with oil, and 6 ounces combined with vanilla and eggs. Whisk the second mixture gently to blend these flavors together smoothly. This careful separation helps with the texture and ensures a balanced moisture level for the cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter

In your mixer bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add in softened butter in chunks using the paddle attachment on the slowest speed. Keep mixing until the mixture resembles coarse sand — this step creates the perfect crumb texture you want in a moist vanilla cake.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the milk and oil mixture all at once into your dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for two solid minutes. This develops the structure of your batter beautifully. Don’t rush this step or you might miss out on that tender, fluffy cake texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg and Milk Mixture

Slowly add the milk, vanilla, and egg mixture while mixing on low speed. Be sure to pause halfway to scrape the bowl — this ensures no stubborn lumps remain, giving you an even, thick batter that’s ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans, filling them about three-quarters full. Use a kitchen scale if you want the layers perfectly even. Bake for about 30 minutes, then test doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean. If not, give it a few more minutes. Once done, tap the cakes gently to release air bubbles and cool before flipping out of the pans.

Step 7: Make the Easy Buttercream Frosting

For that dreamy buttercream, whip egg whites with powdered sugar in a stand mixer first, then add vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in chunks of softened butter until the texture turns lighter and whipped. Keep beating on high for about 8-10 minutes until the buttercream becomes bright white, shiny, and fluffy. You can choose to add a little purple coloring to perfect the tone or switch to a paddle attachment for an ultra-smooth finish.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Chill your cake layers briefly for easier handling. Then, spread your luscious buttercream between each layer and all around the outside. Don’t worry if you’re new to frosting — a rustic, homemade look is infinitely charming and delicious. For a special touch, decorate with white sprinkles or whip up fun palette knife flowers with a pop of electric pink color.

How to Serve Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe

Two round cakes sit in silver baking pans resting on a wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cake is golden brown with a slightly textured top showing small, evenly spread darker spots. The edges of the cakes are slightly pulled away from the pans, revealing a soft, spongy texture inside. The background includes a white marbled tabletop and part of a cookbook or box in the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar perfectly complement the sweet vanilla flavor of this cake. A few delicate sprinkles also add a playful texture that makes every bite festive and fun.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit salad, or a rich cup of coffee or tea. These sides keep the dessert balanced and give you a complete sensory experience with different textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cake in a glass trifle with layers of cake chunks, frosting, and fresh fruit for an impressive twist. Another idea is to stack mini versions of this vanilla cake for individual servings, topped with buttercream flowers and colorful sprinkles — adorable and crowd-pleasing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your vanilla cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better option; just bring the cake back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cake or individual layers wrapped well in plastic and foil. This Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, so it’s perfect for making ahead of celebrations or special occasions.

Reheating

Gently thaw frozen cakes in the refrigerator overnight. If you want to refresh fresh cake slices, warming them briefly in a low oven (around 300º F) for 5-10 minutes or a few seconds in the microwave can bring back their soft, just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While cake flour yields the lightest, softest texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch for better results. Your cake might be slightly denser but still delicious!

Why is the buttercream curdled at first?

The frosting looks curdled because the butter and sugar mixture is temporarily separating. Just keep whipping—the texture will smooth out and become glossy as the buttercream comes together.

Is it necessary to weigh the ingredients?

Using a kitchen scale helps ensure accuracy and perfect cake texture every time. This Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe is designed with weights in mind to give you consistent success, especially with delicate cake flour and butter amounts.

Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy and eggs for its tender crumb and structure. However, you might experiment with plant-based milks and egg substitutes, but expect some texture and flavor differences.

How do I get smooth buttercream for decorating?

After whipping the buttercream to white and fluffy perfection, switch to a paddle attachment and mix on low for 15-20 minutes to remove air bubbles and achieve that silky smooth texture, perfect for cake decorating.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe With Easy Buttercream Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll keep coming back to because of its perfect balance of simplicity and decadence. Baking this cake feels like sharing a little happiness with yourself and your loved ones. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and dive into this delightful baking journey—I promise it will fill your home with sweet memories and irresistible flavors!