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The Best Homemade Vanilla Cake

A soft, fluffy, bakery-style vanilla cake with a tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Cake
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans and line with parchment.
  2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. Beat in softened butter until mixture resembles sand.
  4. Add oil, eggs, milk, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix gently until smooth.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
  6. Cool cakes completely on wire racks.
  7. Prepare frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream.
  8. Assemble and frost cake.

Notes

This cake stays fresh and moist for several days and freezes beautifully.