Vanilla Buttermilk Cake Recipe

Nothing beats a slice of homemade cake that’s moist, tender, and bursting with vanilla flavor—introducing this classic vanilla buttermilk cake recipe.

Combining the rich aroma of real vanilla with the gentle tang of buttermilk yields a perfectly balanced dessert that delights every palate.

Easy to prepare yet undeniably elegant, this cake features a soft crumb texture that stands on its own or shines under a creamy vanilla buttercream.

Ideal for celebrations or casual gatherings, it transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat. Follow these detailed instructions to bake a cake that will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients Checklist

Gathering premium ingredients ensures the perfect texture and flavor for your vanilla buttermilk cake recipe. Collect the following essential items for cake and buttercream components:

• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups (180 g)

• Baking powder: 1 tsp

• Baking soda: ½ tsp

• Salt: ¼ tsp

• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113 g), softened

• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)

• Large eggs: 2, room temperature

• Buttermilk: ½ cup (120 ml)

• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113 g), softened

• Confectioners’ sugar: 2 cups (240 g)

• Buttermilk: 2–3 tbsp, for consistency

• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

• Salt: pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to mix, bake, and assemble your vanilla buttermilk cake, ensuring an airy crumb and a smooth buttercream finish for perfect results.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

• With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk in three additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even color.

• Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

• For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract and buttermilk until you reach a spreadable consistency.

Tips for Perfect Results

Master a tender crumb and velvety frosting by following these essential tips, which focus on precise measurements, ingredient temperatures, mixing techniques, and key baking strategies.

• Room-temperature ingredients blend more evenly, yielding a smoother batter and lighter crumb.

• Accurate measuring with proper cups and spoons prevents imbalance in wet-to-dry ratios.

• Avoid overmixing once flour is added; mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.

• Proper pan prep (grease + parchment) ensures the cakes release cleanly from the pans.

• Even baking comes from rotating pans halfway through the bake time.

• Cool fully before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting on warm cake.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your vanilla buttermilk cake experience with these serving ideas, featuring complementary flavors and presentations that highlight the cake’s moist crumb and smooth buttercream memorably.

• Garnish slices with a few fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) for a pop of color and brightness.

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

• Dust the cake top lightly with cocoa powder or cinnamon for a subtle flavor twist.

• Offer small glasses of iced tea, coffee, or sparkling lemonade to balance the cake’s sweetness.

• Present individual slices on a cake stand with decorative edible flowers for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

This vanilla buttermilk cake recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield a cake with extraordinary flavor and texture.

Its tender crumb, subtly tangy notes, and rich vanilla profile make it ideal for birthdays, afternoon tea, or any celebration.

Customizing with fresh fruit, flavored frostings, or decorative garnishes adds versatility for any occasion. With these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll confidently bake a show-stopping dessert that delights every palate and occasion.