This Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe is a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress! It combines the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the creamy richness of vanilla pudding, creating a moist and flavorful cake with every bite.
The addition of white chocolate chips elevates the sweetness, making each slice melt in your mouth. The luscious buttercream icing, made with a hint of vanilla and a touch of heavy cream, perfectly complements the cake’s soft texture.
Easy to make, with minimal preparation time, it’s an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
It’s quick to assemble, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious results. Get ready to experience a delightful dessert that’s truly “ridiculous” in the best way possible!
Why You’ll Love This Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe
If you’re a fan of soft, fluffy cakes with a rich, creamy flavor, this is your new go-to recipe. Here’s why this Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe will steal your heart:
✔ Incredibly Moist: Thanks to a secret ingredient (spoiler: it’s sour cream!), this cake stays moist and delicious for days.
✔ Rich Flavor: No artificial extracts here. The vanilla shines through, giving you a fresh, genuine taste.
✔ Fluffy Texture: With the right mixing technique, this cake has the perfect balance of airiness and tenderness.
✔ Versatile: This cake can be used as a base for any frosting or filling you want, from chocolate buttercream to cream cheese frosting, or even fresh berries and whipped cream.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approx. 400-500 kcal per serving (depending on portion size and specific ingredients)
- Yield: 12-14 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan or round cake pans
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 (4-serving size) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon sour cream
For the Icing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for a thinner icing)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Cake Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, whole milk, and sour cream. Beat using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Fold in the white chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.
4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan (or two round cake pans). Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before icing.
2. Icing Preparation:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar (start with 3 cups and adjust for thickness), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
Special Note
For a fun twist, add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Feel free to customize the frosting with your favorite color or even sprinkles on top to make the cake extra festive for special occasions.
If you want to make the cake even more decadent, try filling it with fresh whipped cream or fruit jam between the layers before frosting!
Serving Suggestions
This ridiculous vanilla cake recipe is perfect on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your dessert experience:
➤ With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is a classic and irresistible pairing.
➤ Top with fresh fruit: A handful of berries or sliced strawberries on top will add a burst of freshness to balance out the sweetness.
➤ Serve with whipped cream: For extra indulgence, serve a dollop of fresh whipped cream alongside each slice.
Tips For The Perfect Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe
1. Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This will help them incorporate better and create a smooth batter.
2. Sifting your flour and baking powder ensures that your cake will have a light and fluffy texture.
3. When you add the wet ingredients to the dry, be sure to mix just until incorporated. Overmixing will cause the cake to be dense.
4. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake. Full-fat sour cream will give the best results.
Substitutions
➢ Sour Cream → Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and moisture.
➢ Whole Milk → Buttermilk: Swap whole milk with buttermilk for a tangy flavor and extra tenderness in the cake.
➢ Unsalted Butter → Margarine: If you’re out of unsalted butter, margarine works as a suitable alternative, though it may slightly affect the flavor.
➢ Granulated Sugar → Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor and added moisture in your cake.
➢ Vanilla Extract → Almond Extract: For a slightly different flavor profile, substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
Storage Instructions
To store leftover cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
You can also freeze the cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost it just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! You can swap the vanilla pudding for other flavors like chocolate, butterscotch, or even cheesecake to create different variations of the cake.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can substitute with any type of chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) or even chopped chocolate if you prefer.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk. It might slightly affect the cake’s richness but should still work fine.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
How can I make the icing less sweet?
To make the icing less sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch more salt to balance the sweetness. You can also use less heavy cream for a thicker, less sugary consistency.
Conclusion
This Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe is a perfect combination of convenience and indulgence, offering a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite.
With its moist, flavorful cake and rich, creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that satisfies every sweet craving. This Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe is easy to make, visually appealing, and utterly delicious.
Its versatility allows for small adjustments to suit different tastes, making it a go-to recipe for any celebration or casual gathering.
So, gather your ingredients and enjoy baking this Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe delightful masterpiece—your taste buds will thank you!
More Delicious Vanilla Cake Recipes
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Vanilla Tea Cake Recipe | Deliciously & Soft
Baking The Perfect Vanilla Custard Cake
Trifle Recipes With Pound Cake And Vanilla Pudding || A Decadent Delight
Ridiculous Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan or round cake pans
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 15.25 oz box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 4-serving size box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup 240 ml whole milk, room temperature
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon sour cream
For the Icing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar adjust for desired consistency
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk for a thinner icing
- A pinch of salt optional
Instructions
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, whole milk, and sour cream. Beat using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan (or two round cake pans). Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before icing.
Icing Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar (start with 3 cups and adjust for thickness), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.