Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake is a true classic, celebrated for its light, airy texture and rich flavor. Known for its perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, it has become a favorite for many special occasions.
While the traditional version remains a crowd-pleaser, Magnolia Bakery offers a variety of delightful variations that add unique twists to the iconic cake.
It’s the indulgence of chocolate buttercream, the freshness of lemon frosting, or the richness of salted caramel, these variations enhance the cake’s versatility and appeal.
In this guide, I’ll explore five of the best Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake variations that will elevate any celebration and satisfy every palate.
What Makes Magnolia Bakery’s Vanilla Cake So Special?
Magnolia Bakery’s vanilla cake is special because of its perfectly moist texture and delicate crumb, which make every bite feel light and airy.
The simple yet rich flavor of vanilla shines through, creating a deliciously satisfying treat without being overpowering.
This iconic cake is known for its balanced sweetness and buttery richness, making it a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with any frosting or can be enjoyed on its own.
Whether for a celebration or a casual indulgence, its classic flavor never fails to impress.
How To Prepare Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Calories: 420
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 3 ½ cups cake flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup sour cream (180g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
For The Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
How To Make Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
1. Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. Make the buttercream frosting: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
9. Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Serve and enjoy! Let the cake sit for a few minutes to set the frosting, then slice and serve.
Variations Of Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
1. Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Buttercream – A rich chocolate buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with the light, fluffy vanilla cake for a classic and indulgent combination.
2. Vanilla Cake with Lemon Buttercream – The zesty, refreshing lemon frosting enhances the sweetness of the vanilla cake, offering a bright, tangy twist.
3. Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – A slightly tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a rich and flavorful contrast.
4. Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling and Buttercream – Fresh strawberry filling adds a fruity burst between the cake layers, complemented by smooth vanilla buttercream frosting.
5. Vanilla Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream – The rich, buttery caramel frosting with a touch of sea salt brings a sweet and savory balance to the soft, sweet vanilla cake.
Tips For The Perfect Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
➤ Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This will help the ingredients combine smoothly, ensuring the best texture for your cake.
➤ Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined to maintain the fluffy texture.
➤ Frosting Consistency: Adjust the frosting with cream to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable. It should be creamy, not too stiff or runny.
Where To Get Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
Magnolia Bakery operates several locations in major cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
You can order the Vanilla Cake in person at one of these locations, or you can place an order online for delivery.
The online ordering process is straightforward, and you can choose from various sizes, flavors, and customizations.
Additionally, many of their locations offer delivery services, so you can have a fresh Vanilla Cake delivered directly to your door.
How To Store Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
Once you’ve chosen your perfect Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
If you’re not serving the cake immediately, be sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will stay fresh for up to three days.
If you need to store it for a longer period, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, but the frosting may become slightly firm. For the best texture, allow the cake to come back to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Magnolia Bakery’s Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or planning a large event, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its moist texture, delightful flavor, and perfect frosting.
By considering factors like size, frosting choices, and customization options, you can select the best Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake for any occasion.
With a little planning and the right choices, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece that makes your celebration even more memorable.
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Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 3 ½ cups cake flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup sour cream 180g
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
For The Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream frosting: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Serve and enjoy! Let the cake sit for a few minutes to set the frosting, then slice and serve.