Fluffy Vanilla Layer Cake with Creamy Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients (For the Cake):
2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
½ cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature (for extra moisture)
Ingredients (For the Buttercream Frosting):
1 ½ cups (345g) unsalted butter, softened
4–5 cups (480–600g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk (for desired consistency)
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
🍰 2. Make the cake batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and sour cream.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold the batter gently to ensure it's fully incorporated.
🔥 3. Bake the cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍰 4. Make the buttercream frosting:
Beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Add heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired frosting consistency (smooth and spreadable).
Continue beating for another 2–3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
🎉 5. Assemble the cake:
Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting over the top of the first layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting.
Optionally, decorate with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or piping details.