Fluffy Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe: A Sweet Homemade Delight

Sweet, silky vanilla layer cake brings pure comfort to any celebration with its tender crumb and classic charm.

This delightful dessert weaves together simple ingredients into a heavenly masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a dreamy experience for anyone who loves homemade treats.

Each slice promises pure indulgence with delicate vanilla notes dancing across your palate.

Creamy frosting and perfectly balanced sweetness make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this stunning dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible cake that turns ordinary moments into something magical.

Perfect Party Cake: Why It’s a Go-To for Celebrations

• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This cake guarantees smiles at any gathering, with its soft layers and creamy buttercream that make everyone feel special.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Straightforward steps and simple ingredients mean even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert without stress.
• Versatile Celebration Centerpiece: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any milestone event, this cake adapts beautifully to different decorating styles and themes.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Cake layers can be prepared in advance and frozen, making party preparation smooth and allowing more time to enjoy the celebration.

Ingredients for the Perfect Party Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning and tenderness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Egg Whites: Provide moisture and help create a lighter cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil, Vanilla Extract: Add moisture and rich flavor to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream: Provide sweetness and create a silky, spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhance the flavor of the buttercream.

Steps for the Perfect Party Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your cake to rest on.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

Grab your stand mixer and combine all dry ingredients.

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add softened butter to the dry mixture.

Mix until the texture resembles coarse sand, creating a delightful base for your cake.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Elements

Gently pour in egg whites and buttermilk.

Add these liquids gradually, allowing each addition to blend smoothly into the mixture.

Step 5: Enhance With Flavor

Pour in vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract.

These ingredients will bring depth and richness to your cake’s flavor profile.

Step 6: Whip Up the Batter

Beat the mixture at medium speed for one full minute.

This helps develop the cake’s structure and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

Step 7: Distribute the Batter

Carefully divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans.

Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly and evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven.

Bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack and pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.

Step 10: Prepare Creamy Buttercream

In a clean mixer bowl, beat butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Season the Buttercream

Add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to enhance the buttercream’s flavor.

Step 12: Create Frosting Perfection

• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream

Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream to the butter mixture.

Step 13: Smooth Out Buttercream

Beat the frosting until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 14: Level Cake Layers

Use a long knife to carefully level the tops of the cooled cake layers.

Step 15: Build the Cake

Stack the layers, spreading a generous layer of buttercream between each one.

Step 16: Apply Crumb Coat

Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs.

Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Step 17: Final Decoration

Apply the final coat of buttercream.

Decorate with sprinkles, piped designs, or however your creativity guides you.

Party Cake Tips for Perfectionists

• Freeze layers for 30 minutes to prevent crumbling and make frosting easier.
• Use softened butter and room temperature egg whites for smoother, more even batter.
• Use exact measurements for dry ingredients to ensure perfect cake texture and rise.
• Verify oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent baking results.
• Dip frosting spatula in hot water for ultra-smooth buttercream finish.

Party Cake – Fun Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Celebration Cake: Swap egg whites with aquafaba, use coconut oil instead of butter, and create a dairy-free buttercream using plant-based margarine and non-dairy milk.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and incorporate melted dark chocolate into the batter for a rich, decadent chocolate cake experience.
• Fruit-Infused Sensation: Fold in fresh raspberries or lemon zest to the batter, creating a fruity undertone that complements the classic buttercream frosting.

Creative Ways to Serve a Party Cake

• Festive Gathering Spotlight: This cake shines at birthday parties, wedding receptions, and elegant dinner celebrations.
• Decorative Delight: Top with fresh berries, edible flowers, or delicate chocolate shavings to create a stunning visual presentation.
• Slice and Share: Cut into precise, even slices that showcase the cake's tender layers and creamy buttercream for maximum guest appeal.
• Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside champagne, sparkling rosé, or rich coffee to complement the cake's sweet and buttery flavor profile.

Storing Party Cake for the Next Day

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure the environment is cool and dry to maintain freshness.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other party cakes?

This cake uses a unique combination of buttermilk and egg whites for an incredibly light, tender texture that sets it apart from dense traditional cakes.

• Is this cake suitable for beginner bakers?

Yes, the recipe has clear step-by-step instructions and uses basic ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers with some basic baking experience.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked in advance and frozen for up to a week, which actually helps make frosting easier and more precise.

• How do I ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a cake leveler or a long serrated knife to gently trim the tops of the cake layers, creating flat and uniform surfaces for stacking and decorating.

Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of vanilla-infused delight define this classic cake masterpiece. Moist crumb and creamy frosting invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each delectable slice, promising pure indulgence with every heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (6g) fine salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (240g, about 7 eggs) egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups (360g) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
• Optional: gel food coloring

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 cups (452g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (12g) vanilla extract or paste
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine salt
• 7 cups (875g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and positioning three 8-inch cake pans with parchment liners.
2. Combine all dry ingredients using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until thoroughly blended.
3. Incorporate softened butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse sand-like texture.
4. Gently introduce egg whites into the mixture, alternating with buttermilk to create a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Fold in vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
6. Whip the batter at medium speed for precisely one minute to develop optimal texture and air incorporation.
7. Distribute batter evenly across prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to freezer for 30 minutes to stabilize structure.
10. For buttercream, cream butter until silky and light using an electric mixer.
11. Introduce vanilla extract and fine salt, blending thoroughly.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing at low speed to prevent splattering.
13. Continue beating buttercream until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
14. Carefully level cake layers using a serrated knife for even surfaces.
15. Assemble cake by layering with buttercream between each level.
16. Apply a thin crumb coat to seal in loose cake particles, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
17. Complete decoration with final buttercream layer, using preferred design technique.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate cake crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Freeze cake layers for easier handling and cleaner frosting application, especially for intricate decorations.
• Substitute buttermilk with yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice for dietary alternatives.
• Create a gluten-free version by using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 508
• Sugar: 48g
• Sodium: 183mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 64mg