Description
A soft, moist, and velvety vanilla cake that melts in your mouth, perfect for any celebration or special occasion. Its light texture and buttery flavor make it an ultimate treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the sour cream and vegetable oil until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar; let sit 5 minutes to curdle.
For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend containing xanthan gum.
Use toothpick test to check doneness — clean or with few moist crumbs.
Batter can be refrigerated up to 24 hours but bring to room temperature before baking.
Store leftover cake wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Freeze cake layers wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before use.
Classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs well with this cake.
Optional: add pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for spice; swap vanilla for almond extract; layer with fresh berries or flavored cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
