Name: Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; ½ cup avocado, canola or vegetable oil; 1 ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature preferred; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cup buttermilk, room temperature preferred; 1 batch Chocolate Frosting (refer to recipe link or use an alternative favorite frosting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you have a craving for something classic yet utterly irresistible, this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and elevate your baking game. This delightful pairing of moist, tender vanilla layers with rich, creamy chocolate frosting creates a harmonious dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and a touch of indulgence, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two round, golden yellow cake layers cooling on black wire racks over a soft purple cloth. The cakes have a smooth, slightly textured top and firm edges, with an even light brown color all around. One cake is in the foreground, taking up most of the frame, while the other is blurred in the background. There is also a white marbled surface visible on the right side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part— from the tender crumb contributed by the butter and oil to the delightful tang from buttermilk, all coming together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a list of essentials that are easy to find and sure to impress.

½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
½ cup avocado, canola, or vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and ensures a beautifully soft texture.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender texture when creamed with butter and oil.
4 large eggs (room temperature preferred): Provide structure and stability, making the cake rise perfectly.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Delivers that warm, aromatic vanilla flavor that is the heart of this cake.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing necessary structure and creating a soft crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 ¼ cups buttermilk (room temperature preferred): Adds moisture, helps tenderize, and contributes a subtle tangy note.
1 batch Chocolate Frosting: For the luscious finishing touch, choose your favorite chocolate frosting to complement the vanilla layers.

How to Make Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Prepare two deep 8-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and greasing the sides lightly. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and slide out effortlessly when cooled.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, your chosen oil, and granulated sugar until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cake develop a light texture that’s tender yet substantial.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add your large eggs individually, mixing well after each addition. This slow incorporation keeps the mixture smooth and well emulsified, preventing the batter from curdling and promoting excellent rise and texture.

Step 4: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Now mix in the vanilla extract, the secret ingredient that makes this cake incredibly flavorful and wonderfully inviting. The aroma alone is enough to make your kitchen feel warm and cozy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, which ensures your cake rises uniformly and tastes balanced.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Buttermilk

Using a spatula to gently fold, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This hand-mixing step avoids overworking the batter, so the cake stays tender with a wonderfully soft crumb. Some small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine here.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Done

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The cake’s surface should spring back gently when pressed.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 to 15 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, it’s time to bring in the star of the show—the chocolate frosting. Spread it generously between layers and all around the cake, decorating as you wish with sprinkles or other fun toppings.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

The image shows a slice of two-layer yellow cake on a white textured plate, each cake layer is light yellow and fluffy. Between the two layers is a thick middle layer of smooth dark brown chocolate frosting, which also covers the outside of the slice. There are colorful round and rod sprinkles decorating the side frosting. The slice is placed on a white marbled surface with a teal cloth and a silver fork nearby. In the background, the full cake with the same chocolate frosting and sprinkles is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe by adding fresh garnishes that complement both flavors. Consider fresh berries like ripe strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and subtle fruity brightness. Toasted nuts, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers can also bring elegance and texture to the presentation.

Side Dishes

Serving this rich and dreamy cake with simple sides can complete your dessert experience. Whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis pairs beautifully with the contrasting vanilla and chocolate flavors, offering fresh and creamy contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Try layering the cake in a trifle bowl with alternating layers of chocolate ganache and fresh fruit for a stunning presentation. For celebrations, use colorful sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the frosting. Alternatively, cut the cake into bite-sized squares for elegant mini desserts that everyone can enjoy without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which happens rarely with this delicious cake), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain the frosting’s texture, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap rather than foil.

Freezing

This Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving, preserving the cake’s moist texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

For best results, bring any refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens and flavors fully develop. Avoid reheating in the microwave as this can melt the frosting unevenly. Instead, enjoy it fresh or slightly chilled depending on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can be substituted in a pinch, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the crumb that milk cannot replicate. If needed, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

What type of chocolate frosting works best with this vanilla cake?

A smooth, creamy chocolate buttercream or classic ganache pairs beautifully. The richness of the chocolate contrasts wonderfully with the light vanilla cake without overpowering it. Feel free to try your favorite chocolate frosting recipe for a personal touch.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To adapt this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe for gluten-free needs, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes.

Why is it important to use room temperature eggs and buttermilk?

Room temperature eggs and buttermilk blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother mixture and better rise. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or bake unevenly.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure not to over-bake the cake and store it properly in an airtight container. The combination of oil and butter in this recipe also helps maintain moistness, so following the instructions closely will give you a soft and tender cake every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a homemade vanilla cake topped with luscious chocolate frosting, and this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s a recipe that’s approachable yet impressive, easy enough for weekday baking but elegant enough for any celebration. I hope you love making and sharing this cake just as much as I do—happy baking and even happier eating!