If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping dessert that practically melts in your mouth with every forkful, this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting absolutely delivers. Imagine soft, fluffy layers with just the right hint of vanilla, crowned with a frosting so billowy and rich that every slice feels like a celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or simply a Tuesday that could use a sweet lift, this cake brings irresistible charm and flavor to the table. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll love how approachable and rewarding this recipe is—the result is pure vanilla magic in cake form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised at how a handful of familiar kitchen staples come together for something so extraordinary. Each ingredient in Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting has a distinct role, building up that tender crumb, perfect flavor, and dreamy, cloudlike frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, keeping the cake tender without being too dense.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift, ensuring those lovely cake layers rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just a touch, to balance and amplify the sweetness and vanilla notes.
- Unsalted butter (for both cake & frosting): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality; room temperature butter is key for perfect creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Responsible for sweetness and helping lock in moisture.
- Eggs (room temperature): Binds everything together and creates a fluffy, golden crumb.
- Vanilla extract: The star of the show! Use the best you can find for maximum flavor payoff.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the cake soft and light, while also adding richness.
- Sour cream: The secret weapon for unbeatable moisture and tenderness.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Blends effortlessly for an ultra-smooth, luscious finish.
- Heavy cream or milk (for frosting): Dials up the creaminess to dreamy heights.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Cuts any excess sweetness and balances the buttercream.
How to Make Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans and Oven
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this small step ensures easy release and picture-perfect cakes later. For extra insurance, lining the pans with parchment paper means you’ll never worry about sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, creating that irresistible, even crumb from edge to edge in your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and ultra-fluffy—around 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for a light and airy cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and beat to combine. These additions lock in structure, deep flavor, and that golden hue you expect from a Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the whole milk and sour cream. Add the flour mixture to your creamed base in three parts, alternating with the milk/sour cream, and always starting and finishing with the dry mix. Mix gently—just until everything is combined. Overmixing can steal away that dreamy velvet texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. When they’re done, let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes before flipping them onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience pays off here—frosting a warm cake is a recipe for a melty mess!
Step 7: Make the Creamy Frosting
For dreamiest results, beat the softened butter in a clean bowl until creamy—about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Crank up the speed and beat for 2 to 3 minutes more to achieve frosting that’s fluffy, smooth, and ready to swirl over your masterpiece.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a thick layer of the luscious frosting over the first layer. Top with the second cake, then cover the entire cake with the rest of the frosting. You can get artsy with swirls, patterns, or sprinkles—or keep it classic. Either way, your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting will look irresistible!
How to Serve Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting
Garnishes
For a truly polished finish, consider garnishes like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a shower of rainbow sprinkles. These small touches add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balance the cake’s sweetness, ensuring your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting looks just as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This elegant cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a cup of fruity herbal tea. Each option brings out different notes from the cake, making every slice feel like a brand new experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting as a showstopper centerpiece on a vintage cake stand, cut into elegant squares for a dessert platter, or even stack petite layers for personal mini cakes at each place setting. However you present it, be ready to gather plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some leftover Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting (rare, but it does happen!), simply cover it with plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. The cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or tuck it in the fridge for up to 5 days if your kitchen is warm.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months. You can even freeze individual slices of frosted Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting—just wrap each slice snugly and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious at room temperature, if you’d like to recapture a just-baked warmth, pop slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, especially with the frosting. This quick warm-up revives the cake’s softness while keeping the creamy frosting intact.
FAQs
How do I get the fluffiest cake layers?
The secret to fluffy layers in Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is using room temperature ingredients and creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly. Don’t skip the step of adding eggs one at a time, and avoid overmixing once the flour goes in.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! The creamy frosting can be made up to two days in advance. Just cover and chill, then let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly before frosting your cake.
Can I use low-fat milk or yogurt instead of whole milk and sour cream?
For the most tender crumb, stick with whole milk and full-fat sour cream if possible. While substitutions are possible, lighter versions may make the cake a bit drier and less decadent.
Is this recipe good for cupcakes?
Yes! You can use the Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting batter to make cupcakes. Fill liners two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature for about 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What’s the best way to get smooth frosting?
Ensure your butter is truly room temperature and beat your frosting for a full 2–3 minutes. Sift your powdered sugar if you want extra-smooth results, and add cream gradually to reach the perfect consistency for spreading or piping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that one dessert to brighten the table and spark joy, this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting never fails to deliver. Every bite is delicate, rich, and sure to bring out smiles. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy sharing (and maybe even showing off) your delicious creation with friends and family!
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Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the velvety goodness of this Fantastic Vanilla Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting. A moist and flavorful vanilla cake topped with a luscious buttercream frosting, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Mix milk and sour cream. Alternate adding dry and wet mixtures to batter.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 28–32 mins, then cool.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter, add sugar gradually, then cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Decorate: Frost cooled cakes and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ingredients should be at room temperature for best results.
- Add raspberry jam between layers for a fruity variation.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
