Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe combines two classic flavors into one delightful dessert. The main focus centers on creating a moist and tender vanilla cake balanced by smooth, creamy chocolate frosting.
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe delivers a delicious treat loved by many for its sweet yet balanced taste. People often make this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe at home or for celebrations like birthdays and holidays.
The process typically takes about an hour from start to finish, including preparation and baking. The cake’s soft texture combined with the luscious chocolate frosting makes every bite enjoyable.
Now, I detailed instructions will guide through making this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe, ensuring a wonderful result that can impress family and friends.
Why My Recipe Works
My recipe works because it balances key ingredients to create a moist, tender vanilla cake with a rich chocolate frosting.
The combination of butter, oil, and milk ensures the cake stays soft and flavorful. Proper leavening with baking powder helps it rise perfectly.
The frosting blends melted chocolate and cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor with smooth texture. Clear steps and measured ingredients guarantee consistent, delicious results every time.
Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch cake pans (2)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for melting chocolate)
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened (regular or dairy-free)
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup oil (canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or sunflower)
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- 4 oz chocolate, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the oil until fully incorporated.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low speed to combine.
6. Pour in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high until light and fluffy. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Nutritional Amount Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
Hot Tips For Making Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing and a lighter texture.
2. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder for a smoother batter and better rise.
3. Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until just combined after adding flour to avoid over mixing, which can result in a dense cake.
4. Frosting Consistency: Adjust frosting thickness with heavy cream or milk for smooth spreading and desired texture.
5. Decoration Ideas: Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or sprinkles to enhance presentation and flavor.
How To Serve This Cake
To serve this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe, start by letting the cake come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Use a sharp knife to cut even slices, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat pieces. Place each slice on a dessert plate and, if desired, add a small dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries on the side to enhance presentation.
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk. Serve it at gatherings, celebrations, or as a special treat anytime.
Variations
1. Strawberry Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting:
Add fresh or pureed strawberries to the cake batter for a fruity twist. You can also mix in strawberry extract and top the cake with fresh sliced strawberries to complement the chocolate frosting.
2. Lemon Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting:
Add lemon zest and a little lemon juice to the cake batter to give it a fresh, tangy flavor. The combination of lemon and chocolate is a refreshing and surprising contrast.
3. Coffee Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting:
Add brewed coffee or instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a rich coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate frosting. This variation is a great choice for coffee lovers!
4. Carrot Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting:
Mix in finely grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cake batter to create a spiced carrot cake flavor. The chocolate frosting adds a decadent touch to the earthy sweetness of the carrots.
5. Peanut Butter Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting:
Swirl in peanut butter into the cake batter for a nutty, creamy flavor. You can also drizzle a little peanut butter on top of the frosting or add crushed peanuts for added texture and taste.
Storage Recommendations
Store the vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If kept at room temperature, it will stay good for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to 5 days. Before serving, bring it back to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, storing it for up to 2 months. Thaw the vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different sizes of cake pans?
Yes, you can use different sizes, but adjust baking time accordingly. Thicker cakes may require longer baking.
How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease pans well with butter or cooking spray, and line bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and beat again before using.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate in an airtight container for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Conclusion
I hope you understand my easy process for making this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe. Now, it’s your turn to try it out and enjoy every bite of this delicious dessert.
Once you’ve made it, I’m sure you’ll appreciate how moist and flavorful the cake is, paired perfectly with the rich chocolate frosting.
Don’t forget to tell me how much you enjoyed making and tasting this delightful vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe!
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Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch cake pans (2)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for melting chocolate)
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter softened (regular or dairy-free)
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup oil canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or sunflower
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- 4 oz chocolate melted and cooled
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar powdered sugar
- ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the oil until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low speed to combine.
- Pour in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high until light and fluffy. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Nutritional Amount Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |