🎂 Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream (Soft, Fluffy & Easy Recipe)

This vanilla layer cake with buttercream frosting is soft, moist, and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a classic homemade dessert. With rich vanilla flavor and smooth, creamy frosting, this cake is beginner-friendly and bakery-quality.

🧁 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (225g) butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) butter (softened)
• 4–5 cups (500–600g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• ½ cup melted chocolate (for drizzle)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Grease and line 2–3 round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately (start and end with dry ingredients).
8. Divide batter evenly into pans.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
3. Add vanilla extract and milk/cream.
4. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Level cake layers if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a serving plate.
3. Spread an even layer of buttercream.
4. Repeat with remaining layers.
5. Apply a thin crumb coat, chill briefly, then add the final frosting layer.

4. Decorate Like a Pro

1. Pipe buttercream swirls around the top edge.
2. Drizzle melted chocolate in a spiral or web pattern.
3. Use a toothpick to create a decorative design.
4. Smooth the sides for a clean, bakery-style finish.

💡 Baking Tips for Perfect Results

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Chill the cake for 20–30 minutes before final decoration for sharp edges.
• Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
• Add caramel or coffee syrup between layers for extra flavor.