If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that is irresistibly soft, luxuriously smooth, and just bursts with classic vanilla charm, then you are in for a real treat with this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe. This delightful dessert promises a moist crumb with just the right sweetness, perfectly complemented by a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade vanilla cake that feels both elegant and comforting, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe, you’ll use simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each add to the cake’s incredible flavor and velvety texture. From the smooth richness of butter to the tang of buttermilk and sour cream, every component plays a delicious role.
- Cake Flour or All-Purpose Flour with Cornstarch: Helps create a delicate, tender crumb that’s key to the “velvet” texture of the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and is airy without being dense.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness perfectly in the batter.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and contributes to a moist cake with a beautiful crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender texture when creamed with butter.
- Large Eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and that lovely golden hue inside the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: The essence of the whole cake, delivering warm, inviting aroma and deep flavor notes.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and keeps the cake ultra-moist.
- Sour Cream: Works alongside buttermilk to enhance texture and tenderness.
- Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, gives that soft, sweet finish that effortlessly melts on your tongue.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Makes the frosting silky and spreadable to drizzle or layer perfectly.
- Pinch of Salt (in frosting): Balances the sweetness, making the creamy frosting unforgettable.
How to Make Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking. This prep step sets the stage for cake layers that come out clean and flawless every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination creates the leavening and structure foundation while ensuring an even distribution throughout your batter for consistent rising and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes, is essential because it traps air, leading to that prized velvety crumb and subtle sweetness in each bite.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation prevents the batter from curdling and ensures each egg is perfectly blended. Then, stir in your vanilla extract for that warm, comforting aroma that makes this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and sour cream together until smooth. Now, add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. This technique ensures a tender and evenly moistened cake batter without overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even rising. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — this prevents sogginess and readies them for frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Creamy Vanilla Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Then, add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and two to three tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until the frosting achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat it for 2 to 3 minutes longer for a light and fluffy finish that perfectly complements the cake.
Step 8: Assemble Your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom cake, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake beautifully, smoothing the frosting or creating swirls — whatever your heart desires. Get creative with decorations or keep it elegantly simple; either way, it’s going to taste incredible.
How to Serve Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the look and flavor of your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe by garnishing with fresh berries, a sprinkle of edible flowers, or even a dusting of fine coconut flakes. These touches add visual appeal and a fresh, fruity contrast that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra creamy experience. A light fruit compote or a cup of fragrant tea or coffee also pairs beautifully, enhancing the vanilla notes while balancing richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, turn the cake into mini layered cupcakes or elegant slices for individual servings. You can also stack layers with a thin spread of jam or sprinkle crushed nuts between for texture and flavor surprises without overpowering the cake’s creamy charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), cover the cake tightly and store it at room temperature for up to two days to maintain moisture and frosting softness. For longer storage, refrigeration is the way to go, but be sure to bring the cake back to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil to protect them from freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge and then frost and assemble fresh, preserving that signature velvety softness.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best fresh or slightly chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if stored in the fridge, letting it come to room temperature naturally is the best way to unlock the full creamy frosting flavor and tender crumb texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
Is it okay to use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Absolutely! Use all-purpose flour combined with two tablespoons of cornstarch per 2½ cups flour to mimic the tenderness of cake flour, ensuring your cake remains soft and light.
Can I add almond extract for extra flavor?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract either to the cake batter or frosting will give a delightful nutty twist to your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for up to two days. Refrigerating will prolong its freshness for up to five days, but always cover well to keep it moist.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. You can try a gluten-free cake flour blend, but be mindful the texture might be slightly different. You may also need to add a binder like xanthan gum depending on the flour blend you use.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about baking a Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe from scratch. Every bite feels like a warm hug infused with timeless flavor and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re celebrating or simply want to delight yourself and loved ones, this recipe invites you to savor the joy that comes from great ingredients, simple steps, and a big heart. Go ahead, bake it up, and watch your kitchen fill with the most inviting vanilla aroma you’ve ever experienced!
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Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is a beautifully moist and fluffy homemade vanilla cake layered with a rich, creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion where a decadent dessert is desired, this classic American cake delivers a velvety texture with a smooth, buttery cream cheese finish for a truly delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Velvet Cake:
- 2½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted with 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Creamy Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and sour cream to create a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and enough heavy cream or milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the sides and top evenly. Decorate as desired, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For an extra hint of flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to either the cake batter or the frosting.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it fresh and moist.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake; bring it to room temperature before serving for best texture and taste.
