Vanilla Cake Recipe – Soft, Moist & Buttery

There’s something timeless about a simple vanilla cake recipe. While chocolate cakes often steal the spotlight, a well-made vanilla cake proves that elegance can come from simplicity. I still remember the first vanilla cake I baked with my mom—it was for a family birthday, and though the layers were slightly uneven, it became a tradition that we baked together every year.

This version is light yet buttery, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake you can dress up with frosting, fresh fruit, or creative fillings—or serve plain with just a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’ve ever searched for a simple moist cake recipe that’s foolproof and versatile, this is the one.

And if you’re in the mood for more Southern-style cakes, don’t miss my Southern Peach Buttermilk Pound Cake for a dense, buttery option or my Chocolate Cake Recipe if you crave something richer. For a fun twist, try my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake or the fruity sweetness of Vanilla Blueberry Bread.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cake Recipe

Here’s why this cake will become your go-to:

• Simple & Versatile → A base recipe for endless frosting and filling ideas.
• Soft Moist Cake → Uses buttermilk and butter for a tender crumb.
• Perfect for Beginners → No fancy techniques required.
• Crowd Pleaser → Works for birthdays, weddings, or casual get-togethers.
• Customizable → Pair with chocolate ganache, fruit fillings, or whipped cream.
• Classic Flavor → Buttery vanilla richness never goes out of style.

If you’ve been wondering how to make your cake moist, this recipe holds all the secrets.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven → Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients → In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar → Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla → Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry & Wet → Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake → Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & Frost → Let cakes cool before frosting with your choice of filling.

The first time I tried making this cake with buttermilk, I couldn’t believe the difference. It transformed a plain vanilla cake into a soft moist cake that tasted bakery-quality.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake Recipe

This cake is versatile enough for any occasion. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Classic Birthday Cake → Frost with buttercream and add sprinkles.
• Wedding Style → Layer with whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Tea-Time Treat → Serve plain with powdered sugar and a cup of tea.
• Chocolate Lovers → Fill with ganache for a dense cake recipe twist.
• Fruit Layers → Pair with lemon curd, raspberry jam, or blueberry compote.

I once served this buttery vanilla cake with homemade strawberry jam at a spring brunch. My guests thought it came from a bakery, but it was just this simple recipe dressed up with seasonal fruit. That’s the beauty of vanilla—it pairs beautifully with almost anything.

How to Store Vanilla Cake Recipe

To keep your cake moist and fresh:

• Room Temperature → Wrap tightly and store up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator → Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer → Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating tip: Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave to restore softness.

Pro tip: I often bake the layers of this vanilla cake recipe a week ahead and freeze them. On the day of the event, I thaw, frost, and assemble. The cake still tastes freshly baked.

Tips to Make the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

• Use Room Temp Ingredients → Eggs and buttermilk blend better at room temp.
• Don’t Overmix → Overmixing can make cakes dense instead of soft.
• Measure Correctly → Spoon and level flour for accuracy.
• Flavor Boost → Add almond extract or lemon zest for extra depth.
• Moisture Secret → Buttermilk ensures a simple moist cake that’s never dry.
• Baking Time → Check early; ovens vary and overbaking dries cake out.
• Even Layers → Use a kitchen scale to divide batter evenly between pans.

I learned the hard way that skipping room temperature ingredients makes a difference. My first attempt resulted in a dense cake. Now, I always let butter and eggs warm up, and the result is consistently light and fluffy.

Variations of Vanilla Cake Recipe

This cake is a blank canvas for creativity. Try these variations:

• Vanilla Bean Cake → Use vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor.
• Layered Cake with Fillings → Experiment with jam, pastry cream, or mousse for endless vanilla cake fillings ideas.
• Marble Cake → Swirl in chocolate batter for a half-vanilla, half-chocolate effect.
• Fruit-Filled Cake → Add berries or stone fruits for summer vibes.
• Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake → Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Bundt Vanilla Cake → Bake in a bundt pan for a rustic, sliceable cake.

One summer, I turned this yummy vanilla cake recipe into a strawberry shortcake layer cake with whipped cream and fresh berries. It became the star of the party—proof that vanilla doesn’t mean boring.

FAQs

1. How do I make my cake more moist?
Use buttermilk and avoid overbaking—these two steps make a soft moist cake every time.

2. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes—bake for 18–20 minutes in a muffin tin.

3. What’s the best frosting for vanilla cake?
Buttercream is classic, but cream cheese, ganache, or whipped cream also work beautifully.

4. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes—store unfrosted layers in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. What fillings go well with vanilla cake?
Fruit jams, chocolate mousse, lemon curd, or pastry cream are all excellent vanilla cake filling ideas.

This vanilla cake recipe is ideal for experimenting with flavors. Start with the base, then customize with frostings and fillings to match the occasion.

Final Thoughts

A classic vanilla cake recipe is the foundation of so many celebrations. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you frost it with buttercream, layer it with fruit, or serve it plain, this cake always delivers.

No matter how you serve it, this buttery vanilla cake will remain a favorite—proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.

Join me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.