Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

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If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you simply must try this Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. From its tender crumb to the luscious, silky frosting, every bite is pure joy. This classic vanilla cake is elevated by the richness of buttermilk and a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal choice for any celebration or simply a cozy afternoon treat shared with loved ones. Once you make it, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a cake this wonderful starts with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a special role in crafting the perfect texture and taste. Every component adds to the cake’s softness, flavor depth, and a delectably creamy frosting that complements it perfectly.

• All-purpose flour: The structure of your cake depends on this, and using the right amount keeps it light and tender.
• Baking powder: A crucial leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully and stay soft.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect lift and crumb texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and brightening the vanilla notes.
• Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): Adds richness and creates a delicate, moist crumb and creamy frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender crumb when beaten with butter.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture for a soft, fluffy cake.
• Vanilla extract: The star flavor that infuses the cake and frosting with warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; it can be substituted with regular milk plus lemon juice or vinegar.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft, even days after baking.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for the silky smoothness in the frosting.
• Milk (for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency perfectly for spreading or piping.

How to Make Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This combination is your cake’s foundation, making sure it rises perfectly and has a tender crumb. Set the dry mix aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed using an electric mixer. Beat for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aerating step is key for a soft, airy texture in your cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One by one, add the eggs, making sure to beat well after each addition for thorough incorporation. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract, which starts layering in that dreamy, classic vanilla flavor.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and vegetable oil in two parts. Start and end with the dry mix, keeping the beat on low speed to avoid overmixing. This careful blending ensures a tender yet well-structured cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing is important for achieving a perfectly baked, moist cake.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This waiting period ensures the cake sets properly and prevents the frosting from melting.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Frosting

Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat for 3 to 5 more minutes, adding more milk as needed for the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake layers are completely cooled, spread frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly. The creamy frosting gives you a luscious finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the cake’s charm with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, which add a bright, tangy contrast that complements the creamy frosting perfectly. A light dusting of powdered sugar or some delicate sprinkles can also add a festive, elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs magnificently with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad for a refreshing and balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly special presentation, slice your Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe into delicate layers and stack them in individual glass jars with layers of fresh fruit and frosting. Alternatively, pipe decorative swirls or rosettes of frosting on top for a polished, bakery-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep the cake refrigerated to maintain freshness and moisture, and let it come to room temperature before serving again to bring back its softness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap each cooled cake layer separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frosting can be frozen in a separate container. Thaw layers overnight in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving for perfect results.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, let it come to room temperature and then warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked feel without drying out the cake or frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates the acidity needed for the cake’s tender texture.

How long will this cake stay moist?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this cake stays moist and fresh for up to 5 days. The combination of oil and buttermilk helps retain moisture beautifully.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so consider adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.

What type of vanilla extract do you recommend?

Pure vanilla extract is best for the richest and most natural flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla as it can taste artificial and affect the cake’s delicate aroma.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the temperature stable.

Final Thoughts

This Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. From the easy steps to the heavenly results, it’s a treat you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Give it a try and see how a simple cake can become an unforgettable moment of sweetness in your day.

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