A vanilla cake is a classic recipe that can be used in a wide variety of different ways. This recipe will show you how to make a simple vanilla cake that can be customized to your choosing! You can use store bought icing or the vanilla buttercream recipe included.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup butter at room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cup whole milk

Vanilla Buttercream Icing:

• 1 cup butter at room temperature (2 sticks)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

Estimated time: 30 minute prep, 35 minute bake, 15 minute assembly

Step-by-Step:

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and line the bottoms of two 9-inch pans with parchment paper (this will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan).
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, beat in the vanilla extract.
5. Beat in the flour, alternating with milk in 3-4 batches until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the two pans and bake for 33-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean. Remove cakes from the oven and let cool for at least 10-15 minutes before adding frosting.

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Icing:

1. Beat the butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
2. Beat in vanilla extract and milk. You can adjust the amount of milk until you find a consistency of your liking.

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Putting it all together:

1. Trim the tops of the cakes so that they’re flat.
2. Cover the top of the first layer with icing and place the second layer on top.
3. Cover the entire cake in a layer of icing and decorate to your liking! You can use colored icing, fondant, fruit, etc.

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