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Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Emily Grace
If you love soft and fluffy cakes, this Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe is perfect. It is light, moist and full of rich vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Slices
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans. This helps the cake come out easily after baking. Proper preparation ensures even baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well using a spoon. This ensures even distribution of ingredients in the cake batter.

Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In another bowl, beat butter and sugar together. Mix until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft and airy cake texture.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

  • Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract. This builds flavor and structure in the cake batter.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Add dry ingredients slowly into the butter mixture. Pour in milk gradually. Mix gently until smooth. Do not overmix to keep the cake soft.

Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly into pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Make Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually. Mix in milk and vanilla. Beat until creamy and fluffy. Adjust consistency if needed.

Frost and Decorate

  • Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add second layer and frost all sides. Smooth the surface and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients
  • Do not overmix the batter
  • Measure ingredients correctly
  • Cool cake completely before frosting
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract
  • Beat frosting until light and fluffy
Keyword Ina Garten Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe