There’s something genuinely classic and comforting about a moist vanilla cake with rich chocolate frosting. The perfect balance of light, fluffy vanilla cake and creamy, decadent chocolate frosting makes this a go-to cake for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve a treat! For that irresistible flavor, a splash of vanilla extract takes the vanilla cake with chocolate frosting to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps.
- Moist and Fluffy Vanilla Cake – The secret ingredients help keep this vanilla cake soft and tender.
- Rich Chocolate Frosting – A luscious and creamy chocolate frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness.
- Customizable – You can tweak the flavors, add fillings, or even make it into cupcakes! For a twist, try vanilla cake with chocolate frosting or add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Information: Can be made gluten-free with substitutions
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Rich Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes to incorporate air into the batter, which helps with the cake’s texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure everything blends smoothly.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Chocolate Frosting
Step 1: Whip the Butter
Using a mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix on low speed until combined.
Step 3: Add Cream and Vanilla
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Tips for the Best Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smooth batter and even baking, especially for a moist vanilla cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense rather than fluffy, affecting the light texture of your vanilla cake.
- Check for Doneness Early – Ovens vary, so start checking around 25 minutes to ensure your vanilla cake with chocolate frosting comes out perfectly.
- Chill the Cake Before Frosting – A slightly chilled cake is more manageable to frost without crumbs getting in the way, allowing the chocolate frosting to go on smoothly.
Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate Chips in the Cake – Add a handful for extra indulgence in your moist vanilla cake.
- Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel over the chocolate frosting for a richer taste, or add it to a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers of your vanilla cake for added texture.
- Different Frosting – Swap the chocolate frosting for a classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting to complement your cake.
Try This Easy Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting!
This moist vanilla cake with rich chocolate frosting is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favourite flavours, this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting will surely be a hit. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavour of the cake even more.
