Description

This vanilla cake is a simple, classic recipe with soft, tender layers and a clean vanilla flavor. It’s an easy base cake that works well for everyday baking, small layer cakes, or finishing with a light whipped frosting without being overly sweet.

Ingredients

Vanilla cake

200 g unsalted butter (1 cup), very soft
320 g granulated sugar (1 ⅔ cups)
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
360 g cake flour (3 cups)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
¾ teaspoon baking soda (3 g)
¾ teaspoon fine salt (4 g)
295 ml buttermilk (1 ¼ cups)

Vanilla mascarpone frosting

400 g (1¾ cups / 14 oz) mascarpone cheese, cold
400 ml (1⅔ cups / 14 fl oz) heavy cream, cold
100 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Vanilla cake

Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F).
Grease and line the bottoms of two 8-inch / 20 cm round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla, then beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and voluminous.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, alternating between the two, and gently fold with a spatula until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake on the middle rack for 45 to 55 minutes, until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for a few minutes, then unmold and place them upside down on a wire rack to cool completely.

Mascarpone frosting

Place the cold mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
Whip at medium speed until the frosting is smooth, light, and just holds its shape.

Cake assembly

Level the cooled cake layers if needed.
Spread an even layer of mascarpone frosting between each layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
Smooth the finish and decorate as desired.