Classic Vanilla Cake with Fresh Berries
We all need a delicious, go-to Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe in our repertoire, and this one right here is the perfect one to have. I could go on for hours describing this cake to you. It is soft, fluffy, delicate, buttery, and loaded with vanilla flavor. It is DELICIOUS!
In addition to all this deliciousness, this cake is the perfect canvas for many other creations. For example, you can add sprinkles to the batter and turn it into a Funfetti Birthday Cake, swap the vanilla for citrus or almond flavorings, add chocolate chips, or fill and garnish with berries. All you need is a little bit of imagination, and the possibilities are endless!
Now, go on and get your aprons on and let’s get to Baking!
Tips and Tricks
- Add 1 cup of sprinkles to the batter and turn it into a funfetti cake
- Turn it into a lemon cake by adding three tablespoons of Lemon Juice and Two tablespoons of lemon zest.
- Swap the vanilla with other delicious flavorings like almond, strawberry, citrus, etc.
- Add berries between layers for a beautiful spring like cake
- Fill it with your favorite Preserves, Chocolate Ganache, or just a Velvetty Buttercream.
- Did I hear someone say Strawberries and Nutella? Absolutely!
- Dulce de Leche makes for a delicious filling too
- Want to enjoy a classic vanilla cake? Just add vanilla buttercream and you are good to go.
Batter and Baking
- Have all of the ingredients at room temperature, for a smooth and even batter.
- Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula as many times as needed, to ensure all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Grease your pans and add parchment paper to the bottom of the pan, This makes it so easy to release the cake from the pan.
- If you have them available, use your cake baking bands, This will help the cake bake evenly.
- Make the cake ahead of time, cover each cake with plastic wrap and chill before frosting. You can leave it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few hours. This will help you get a clean crumb coat and a final coat.
- Enjoy!
Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3¼ cups All-Purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 6 mint sprigs
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8×2 cake pans
- Set your mixer with the paddle attachment or use a large bowl and a hand mixer
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, give it a quick whisk, then set aside.
- Cream together the butter, oil, sugar, and sour cream. Mix on medium to high speed until the mix looks light and fluffy. Turn your mixer off, using a rubber spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the eggs and the egg yolk and mix for 2 minutes. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla and mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Turn your speed to low and add the buttermilk and the flour alternating. Start and end with the flour. Beat until the ingredients are incorporated. Do not over mix.
- Divide the batter into two prepared 8" cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Time will depend on your oven.
- Once you take your cakes out of the oven, let them rest on the cake pan for about two to five minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Once the cake has cooled down, add three scoops of the vanilla buttercream and spread evenly.
- spread one cup of fresh berries on top of the buttercream then top with the next cake. repeat this process as many times as needed. ( for multiple layer cakes)
- Finish the top layer with 3 scoops of buttercream. spread it evenly then add the fresh berries and mint sprigs to your liking.