Classic Vanilla Bliss Cake – The Ultimate 5-Star Recipe
Summary
Indulge in the timeless elegance of the Classic Vanilla Bliss Cake, a perfect harmony of soft, moist texture and rich vanilla flavor. Whether it’s for birthdays, celebrations, or an everyday sweet treat, this cake never fails to impress. Its delicate crumb and subtle sweetness make it an all-time favorite for cake lovers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Course
- Dessert
Cuisine
- American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling racks
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Assembling the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Smooth the sides and top using an offset spatula. Decorate as desired.
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Bliss Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice to the batter for a citrus twist.
- Strawberry Shortcake Version: Layer fresh strawberries between the cake layers and top with whipped cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?**A: Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting work beautifully.
**Q: How do I store this cake?**A: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
**Q: Can I make this cake in advance?**A: Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost before serving.
**Q: Can I freeze the cake?**A: Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling and frosting.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra vanilla punch, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 32g
Conclusion
The Classic Vanilla Bliss Cake is a timeless masterpiece that blends simplicity with indulgence. Its moist crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe promises sweet success. Give it a try and savor every heavenly bite!