Description
The aroma of vanilla-infused batter swirling in your mixing bowl will transport you to childhood birthday parties, while the silky texture of freshly beaten butter and sugar creates a promising foundation for what’s to come. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that signature golden crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat for 3–5 minutes until fluffy, adding more cream if needed.
- Frost the cooled cake layers as desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This cake layers beautifully and holds up well to stacking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: yellow cake, homemade, vanilla, buttercream, birthday, classic dessert