Description

A soft, fluffy, and reliable vanilla layer cake with rich buttery flavor and creamy vanilla frosting, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)

3 cups granulated sugar (600g)

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (10g)

1 teaspoon fine salt (6g)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)

1 cup egg whites, room temperature (about 7 large egg whites, 240g)

1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature (360g)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30g)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (8g)

Optional: gel food coloring

2 cups unsalted butter, softened (452g)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste (12g)

1/2 teaspoon fine salt (3g)

7 cups powdered sugar (875g)

1/4 cup heavy cream (60g)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in gel food coloring if using.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes briefly in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then add vanilla and salt.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream, until light and fluffy.
Assemble the cake by frosting between layers, applying a crumb coat, chilling briefly, and finishing with a final layer of frosting.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.

Weigh batter for evenly sized layers.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Let the cake come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 620
Sugar: 68g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 78g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg