A classic vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is a timeless dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any event, from birthdays to weekend gatherings. With its soft, moist vanilla sponge paired with a rich, creamy chocolate frosting, this cake offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The subtle sweetness of the vanilla cake combined with the bold taste of chocolate frosting makes each bite irresistible.
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, giving you a professional-quality cake made entirely from scratch with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Even if you’re new to baking, this guide will help you create a beautiful vanilla cake with chocolate frosting that will impress your family and friends.
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Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Description: A soft and moist homemade vanilla cake topped with a rich, creamy chocolate frosting that’s perfect for any special occasion or just because!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 404 per slice
Why You Will Love This Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Classic Flavor Combination: The gentle sweetness of vanilla pairs perfectly with rich chocolate frosting, making it a beloved combination.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to casual gatherings, a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting fits every celebration!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Butter and Oil: A mix of butter and oil ensures that the vanilla cake is both flavorful and moist. If needed, you can substitute the oil with melted coconut oil for a hint of extra richness.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. If you don’t have it, substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
- Chocolate Frosting: The frosting is made with cocoa powder, which offers a rich chocolate flavor. For a smoother texture, melted chocolate can be used instead.
How to Make Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth batter.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar together is essential for a light and fluffy texture. Adding oil to the mix provides extra moisture.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Start by adding a portion of the dry ingredients, followed by some buttermilk. Repeat until all ingredients are just combined, which helps avoid over-mixing.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.
Expert Tips for Perfect Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Use High-Quality Vanilla and Cocoa: The flavor quality of both the vanilla cake and chocolate frosting can be elevated with quality vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Fold the ingredients gently for a softer crumb.
- Cool the Cake Before Frosting: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool; otherwise, the frosting may melt.
Variations and Customizations
- Cupcakes: This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe can be used to make cupcakes as well. It yields around 24 cupcakes; just reduce the bake time to 15–18 minutes.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Adding berries such as strawberries or raspberries to the top of the cake can provide a fruity contrast to the chocolate frosting.
- Alternate Frosting Options: While chocolate is classic, cream cheese or vanilla buttercream frosting also pair wonderfully with the vanilla cake base.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or microwave briefly for 10–15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is delicious on its own, but it can also be elevated with sides like fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use this recipe to make vanilla cupcakes?
Yes! This recipe yields about 24 cupcakes. Simply adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes.
What type of oil is best for vanilla cake?
Use a fresh, neutral oil such as sunflower or canola for the best results.
Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
What’s the secret to a moist vanilla cake with chocolate frosting?
Avoid over-mixing and over-baking the cake, and use room-temperature ingredients for a tender, moist crumb.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly and line with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
Related Recipes
- Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting – A delightful reverse for chocolate lovers, with a light vanilla frosting on a rich chocolate base.
- Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A tangy and rich option that’s perfect for a special event.
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A moist and spiced cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines a light, moist vanilla crumb with the richness of homemade chocolate frosting. It’s easy to make and a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Try this recipe for your next gathering, and savor the delicious blend of flavors in every bite!
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Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Soft, moist Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting made from scratch. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a classic dessert!
Ingredients
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- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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- ½ cup vegetable oil
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- 1½ cups granulated sugar
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- 4 large eggs
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- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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- 3 cups all-purpose flour
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- 1 tablespoon baking powder
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- ½ teaspoon salt
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- 1¼ cups buttermilk
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients-
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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- 3½ cups powdered sugar
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- ½ cup cocoa powder
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- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
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- 1¼ cups buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare 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 the cake releases easily.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate Mixing Dry and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract and add heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble and Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Notes
- For best results, use room-temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, as they blend more smoothly and help create a lighter texture.
- Take care not to over-mix the batter after adding the flour, which can make the cake dense.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: vanilla cake, desserts, chocolate frosting, easy cake, homemade frosting, classic cake, birthday cake, soft vanilla cake, moist cake, chocolate cake, cake for beginners
