Light Fluffy Vanilla Cake (Printable)

Light, fluffy vanilla cake perfect for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

→ Optional Frosting

10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - Beat together powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Add vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable.
10 - Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crumb stays incredibly moist for days, making it perfect for make ahead gatherings
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have in the pantry come together into something special
02 -
  • Overmixing once the flour is added makes the cake tough, so stop as soon as everything is combined
  • The cake needs to cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
  • Bring all your ingredients to room temperature before starting for the most even bake
  • For extra flavor, wrap the warm cake in plastic wrap for ten minutes after baking to trap steam and increase moisture

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