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Vanilla Buttermilk Layer Cake recipe

Vanilla Buttermilk Layer Cake recipe

4.8 from 17 reviews

Indulge in the delightful Vanilla Buttermilk Layer Cake recipe, a classic dessert that promises a moist and flavorful experience with each bite. This recipe yields two tender cake layers with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • Optional: 1 tsp almond extract

Frosting:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 24 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment circles.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl (3–4 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla (and almond extract, if using).
  5. Alternate Dry & Buttermilk: On low speed, add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with buttermilk in 2 parts.
  6. Bake: Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
  7. Make Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, salt, and cream to desired consistency.
  8. Assemble & Decorate: Level cake layers, stack with frosting, and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter.
  • Avoid overmixing after adding flour.
  • If no buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar; let sit 5 min.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vanilla Buttermilk Layer Cake, Buttermilk Cake, Vanilla Cake, Layer Cake, Dessert Recipe