If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as irresistibly soft as it is beautiful, let me introduce you to the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting. This recipe is pure comfort: fluffy layers of vanilla-kissed cake enveloped in a cloud of dreamy, butter-rich frosting. It’s the kind of cake you bake for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want to spoil yourself (and your favorite people) with something truly special.

Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake comes from simple, top-quality ingredients working in harmony. Each one is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavor, texture, and gorgeous golden color in every bite. Let’s break down what you’ll need—and why every element truly matters.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender crumb—sift it for ultimate lightness.
Baking powder and baking soda: This dynamic duo gives your cake its perfect rise and soft, airy texture.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens the flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): The secret to richness and that melt-in-your-mouth velvet texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a fluffy, moist crumb.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add lovely structure.
Pure vanilla extract: The star flavor—don’t skimp, use the real stuff for the best taste.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tang and keeps the cake super moist and tender.
Sour cream: A spoonful gives extra richness and a delicate texture you’ll notice with every forkful.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and easy to spread.
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to your desired creaminess.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and deepens the vanilla notes.

How to Make Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or, if you want to make things extra easy, line the bottoms with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting releases beautifully and stays in perfect layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting or whisking helps incorporate air, which gives your cake that signature soft, velvety crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the cake’s tender structure begins, so don’t rush; you want the mixture to look pale and creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays smooth. Stir in the pure vanilla extract for that rich, fragrant flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.

Step 5: Stir In Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream to give the batter extra richness and a gorgeous, moist crumb. It’s a small addition with a big impact on the cake’s texture.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to your wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes will be lightly golden and will spring back when gently pressed.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and makes frosting much easier.

Step 9: Make the Creamy Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until fluffy, adding more cream if needed to reach your perfect, spreadable consistency for the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. Decorate however you like—swirls, sprinkles, or even fresh berries if you want an extra flourish!

How to Serve Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting

Garnishes

Garnishing this cake is a chance to make it your own! Fresh berries, edible flowers, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of berry coulis elevate the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting into something worthy of a bakery window. A few vanilla bean specks sprinkled on top give it that extra visual pop and hint at the rich flavor inside.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a dreamy dessert plate. A cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk is all you need to round out this classic treat and let the flavors of the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into elegant layers and serving it in tall, clear glasses with layers of fresh berries and extra frosting for a trifle-style dessert. Or, cut it into cubes and skewer with fruit for a fun, party-ready treat. However you present it, the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the softest, most luscious texture.

Freezing

The unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting with your creamy vanilla topping for a just-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this cake, if you want to gently soften a refrigerated slice, let it sit out for 30–60 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven tenderness in your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the cake layers and the frosting can be made a day or two in advance. Store the layers wrapped at room temperature, and keep the frosting covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.

What’s the best way to get super fluffy frosting?

Start with room temperature butter and beat it well before adding the powdered sugar. Gradually add the cream or milk until the frosting is light and spreadable—be patient, and you’ll get that perfect, cloud-like texture for your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! This batter makes stunningly soft cupcakes. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, fill each about two-thirds full, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake, and make sure to measure your flour carefully—too much flour can dry out your cake. The sour cream and buttermilk in this recipe help keep the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting deliciously moist for days.

Can I add fillings between the layers?

Definitely! Try a layer of your favorite fruit jam, lemon curd, or fresh berries between the cake layers for a fun twist and extra burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is it. Each bite is a celebration of pure vanilla bliss, wrapped in the silkiest frosting imaginable. Gather your friends, pour some coffee, and let this cake be the centerpiece of your next sweet memory!

Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is a delightfully moist and tender cake perfect for any celebration or special occasion. Featuring a classic vanilla flavor enhanced with buttermilk and sour cream, it offers a velvety crumb texture complemented by a rich, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Easy to bake and beautifully decorated, this homemade cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
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 pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
¼ cup sour cream

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air, helping to create a light texture for the cake.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
Incorporate sour cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully combined to add moisture and richness to the cake batter.
Alternate dry and wet ingredients: Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the batter, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to prevent overmixing which can toughen the cake.
Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is done.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or milk as needed to make it spreadable.
Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, add any desired decorations or layers such as berries or jam, then top with the second layer and frost the entire cake smoothly.

Notes

For an extra tender crumb, sift the flour before measuring to aerate it and remove lumps.
Enhance the flavor by adding fresh berries or a fruit jam layer between the cake layers before frosting.
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, but bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American