Decadent Vanilla Layer Cake

Name: Decadent Vanilla Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

I can’t express how much I love baking this Decadent Vanilla Layer Cake! It’s become a family favorite, especially for birthdays and special occasions. The soft, airy layers infused with rich vanilla flavor create a delightful contrast with the creamy frosting. I enjoy experimenting with different fillings, like fruit compote or chocolate ganache, to elevate the cake even more. This recipe is straightforward and guarantees a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone. Grab your ingredients, and let's get baking!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:53:27.989Z

When I first decided to tackle a layer cake, I felt both excited and intimidated. However, after trying various recipes, I landed on this one that balances simplicity with elegance. The cake’s lightweight texture truly shines, and I learned that the secret to its rise is ensuring your eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

Another tip I discovered is to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting; this prevents any melting and keeps the structure intact. Using quality vanilla extract makes a world of difference in flavor, elevating the cake to decadent heights!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lush layers that are incredibly moist and full of flavor
Rich vanilla frosting that complements every bite perfectly
Impressive yet simple enough for any home baker

Perfecting Your Layers

To ensure that your cake layers are light and fluffy, it’s crucial to properly cream the butter and sugar. This step should take about 4-5 minutes at medium speed until the mixture appears pale and airy. Avoid rushing this process; under-creaming could lead to denser cake layers. Additionally, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter, as this helps integrate them evenly and contributes to the cake's overall moisture.

When mixing the dry ingredients, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agent. This can significantly affect the rise of your cake layers. If you're working in humidity, consider adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour to prevent the batter from becoming too wet, which could result in a dense texture.

Tips for the Frosting

Achieving the perfect frosting consistency is key to complementing the cake's fluffy texture. Start by beating the softened butter until it’s light and creamy — this should take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar; if you notice any clumps, make sure to sift it first. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired spreadability, ensuring it won’t slide off the cake layers during assembly.

For an added twist, consider incorporating flavored extracts or melted chocolate into the frosting. Just make sure to adjust the amount of heavy cream accordingly to maintain the right consistency. You can also chill the frosting for about 15-20 minutes after making it, which can make it easier to spread and decorate, especially if you're planning on piping decorative elements.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk until just combined.

Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool Layers

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough cream to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and repeat with remaining layers. Frost the outside of the cake.

Tips

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the frosting or layering in fresh fruit between the cake layers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this cake dairy-free, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. For the frosting, use a plant-based butter alternative and powdered sugar to keep it vegan-friendly. Additionally, if you're short on eggs, consider using flaxseed meal — mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water; let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to your wet ingredients.

To add a comforting hint of flavor, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, which adds a nutty taste and slightly moist texture. However, if you do this, adjust the liquid slightly, as almond flour absorbs more moisture than regular flour.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This vanilla layer cake can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for celebrations. You can bake the layers one day in advance. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This not only saves time but can also enhance the flavors as they meld together during storage.

If you prefer to freeze the cake, you can do so for up to 3 months. Just ensure the layers are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to use them, thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator. Frost the cake once it's completely thawed for the best results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will give your cake a lighter texture.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool place or refrigerate it for freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cake layers?

Absolutely! Wrap cooled layers in plastic and freeze for up to two months.

→ What is the best way to level cake layers?

Use a serrated knife or a cake leveler for even layers.