When it comes to celebrating life’s most special moments, nothing feels quite as timeless or as crowd-pleasing as a perfect vanilla cake. Classic, elegant, and endlessly customizable, this is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, baby shower, bridal event, or simply want a beautiful, delicious cake to mark the occasion, this vanilla cake is your go-to recipe.
Your Go-To Vanilla Cake Recipe
There’s something so comforting about having that one perfect recipe in your back pocket.
The one you know will turn out every time.
The one that makes people ask, “Did you bake this yourself?”
The one that turns even an ordinary Tuesday into a mini celebration.
Simply put: this is that cake.
What Makes This the Perfect Vanilla Cake
After testing countless variations, we’ve landed on what we truly believe is the ultimate white celebration cake. So, what sets it apart?
- Soft, fluffy crumb that’s also perfectly moist
- Light vanilla flavour that’s anything but boring
- Stable structure, making it ideal for layering, stacking, and decorating
As a result, this cake performs beautifully for big parties but still feels special when served at a casual family dinner.
The Best Icing for Vanilla Cake
Of course, no perfect vanilla cake is complete without the perfect frosting. The vanilla cake buttercream icing I’ve used for years is modified from Wilton’s recipe – I always use just butter (vs half shortening) but you do you.
It spreads like a dream and pipes beautifully! Not only does it taste incredible, but it also gives you that clean, cloud-like finish every celebration cake deserves.
How to Decorate a Vanilla Cake
One of the best things about this cake? It’s incredibly easy to decorate, and it adapts to whatever vibe you’re going for.
Want something minimalist? Simply smooth on the icing and add fresh flowers or fruit. I often go for a naked cake look to avoid using too much icing – and I love the vibe!
Prefer something fun and festive? Get creative with colourful sprinkles (I love the ones from Jenna Rae Cakes) or themed cake toppers.
Here are a few decorating ideas to get you started:
- Fresh berries for a pop of colour
- Lemon curd or jam between layers for a flavour twist
- Coconut flakes or crushed candy for added texture
- Edible flowers or regular flowers in floral tubes (see my hack here)
All in all, it’s the kind of cake that makes you look like a pro….even if you’re not one!
How to Bake a Cake Recipe as Cupcakes
If you’re curious if this Perfect Vanilla Cake can me cupcakes, the answer is YES! Here is how to do it:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Follow the original cake recipe’s temperature (typically 350°F/175°C).
2. Prepare Your Pan
- Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Lightly spray the liners if you want to ensure easy peeling (optional, but helpful).
3. Mix the Batter as Directed
- Use the same ingredients and method as the full-size cake recipe.
4. Portion the Batter
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill—this gives the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing.
- A large cookie scoop or 1/4 cup measuring cup works well for even portioning.
5. Adjust Baking Time
- Reduce the baking time significantly.
- Bake for 16–22 minutes, depending on the recipe and oven.
- Start checking at 16 minutes. They’re done when:
- A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs
- The tops spring back when gently pressed
6. Cool Properly
- Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Optional Tips:
- Yields: A standard 8-inch cake recipe usually makes about 24 standard cupcakes.
- Mini cupcakes? Reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes and check early.
- Frosting: You may want to double your frosting recipe if the original was just for a cake top and middle.
Occasions to Serve the Perfect Vanilla Cake
Honestly? You don’t need a reason to bake this cake. But if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of the best times to whip it up:
- Birthdays – especially when you want a neutral base for decor or coloured icing
- Weddings or anniversaries – it’s as elegant as they come
- Baby and bridal showers – soft and sweet for those milestone moments
- Holidays – where a neutral cake can be dressed up for any theme
More Delicious Dessert Recipes to Try
If you loved this Perfect Vanilla Cake, here are a few more tried-and-true dessert recipes to add to your baking list:
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Classic Apple Pie (using my Perfect Pie Crust!)
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Perfect Vanilla Cake
This Perfect Vanilla Cake is light, elegant, and celebration-ready. From birthdays to weddings, it’s your go-to dessert for every special moment.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 3 large egg whites room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (To make your own: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 8" or 9" cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the butter, oil, and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time until combined while beating. Add the egg whites and beat until fluffy. Add the sour cream and vanilla and beat to combine.
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Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 additions, beating on low just to combine. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs and the top springs back when gently pressed.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Recipe Notes
You may make the cakes in advance and wrap cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap. These will store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Perfect Vanilla Buttercream Icing
This versatile white icing is the go-to topping for any celebration cake. With its smooth, fluffy texture and subtle vanilla flavour, it's perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Easy to whip up, this icing has a consistency that’s ideal for piping and spreading. Adapted from the Wilton Buttercream recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk, cream or water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is incorporated.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl after each cup of sugar. The mixture will be thick and slightly dry once all the sugar is added.
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Slowly add the cream (milk, or water) mixing in between, until you reach the desired consistency. Continue to beat on medium speed until the icing is smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl once more and mix until everything is fully combined.
Recipe Notes
Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before spreading on the cake: you may need to beat the icing again briefly before spreading.
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