The Best Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake Recipe Ever Made

Creamy buttermilk adds magical depth to this moist vanilla buttermilk cake that promises pure comfort.

Few desserts capture the heart quite like this tender, cloud-soft creation.

Whispers of vanilla dance through each delectable slice, promising a moment of pure bliss.

Traditional baking techniques merge with simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary.

Rich yet light, this cake becomes the centerpiece of any gathering.

Subtle sweetness and velvety texture invite you to savor every single crumb.

Take a leap and let this heavenly recipe become your new baking favorite.

Why Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake Is Loved By All

• Whip Up in a Snap: This vanilla buttermilk cake recipe comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients, making it a breeze for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The moist, tender crumb and classic vanilla flavor ensure this cake will be a hit at family gatherings, birthdays, or casual weekend desserts.
• Perfect for Beginner Bakers: With straightforward instructions and common baking tools, even kitchen newbies can confidently create a delicious homemade cake that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Versatile Dessert Superstar: Easily dress up this simple cake with various frostings, fruit toppings, or serve it plain – it's a blank canvas for endless creative dessert possibilities.

Everything You Need For Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Adds moisture, tanginess, and rich vanilla flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide richness, help bind ingredients, and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, preventing it from becoming dry.

Instructions For Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get two 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing them thoroughly or lining with parchment paper. This ensures your cake will release smoothly and look perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re completely blended and free of any lumps. The even mixture guarantees a smooth, consistent cake texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

• Softened unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar

Cream these together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process incorporates air, helping your cake rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Alternate Dry And Wet Mixtures

Gently fold in the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately. Start and end with dry ingredients. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps the batter smooth.

Step 6: Pour And Smooth Batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter smoothly, creating an even surface for perfect baking.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically around 25-30 minutes.

Step 8: Cool And Finish

Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Pro Tips For Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

• Prep Perfectly: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking, helping your cake achieve that dreamy, tender crumb.
• Measure Meticulously: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife to avoid dense, heavy cake texture that can ruin your delightful dessert.
• Mix Mindfully: Avoid overmixing the batter – stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Moisture Magic: If you're dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for similar tangy richness.
• Cooling Technique: Let the cake cool completely in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential crumbling and maintaining structural integrity.

Store Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake The Smart Way

• Keep your delicious vanilla buttermilk cake fresh by storing it properly.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, allowing it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months, ensuring you enjoy this delightful treat whenever a sweet craving hits.

Perfect Pairings For Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

• Enhance Sweet Harmony: Pair this moist vanilla buttermilk cake with a chilled glass of creamy Madagascar vanilla bean milkshake for an indulgent dessert experience that amplifies the cake's delicate vanilla notes.
• Complement with Fruit: Serve alongside fresh raspberry compote or macerated strawberries to add a bright, tangy contrast to the cake's rich, soft texture.
• Balance with Coffee: Enjoy a smooth cappuccino or medium-roast Colombian coffee to highlight the cake's subtle buttermilk sweetness and provide a warm, comforting accompaniment.
• Elevate with Wine: Select a light moscato or late-harvest riesling, which offers delicate sweetness that beautifully echoes the cake's gentle vanilla flavor profile without overwhelming its delicate character.

Ways To Switch Up Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake

• Classic Lemon Burst: Fold in fresh lemon zest and replace 2 tablespoons of buttermilk with lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Mix in 1/2 cup toasted chopped almonds or pecans into the batter for added texture and rich, warm undertones.
• Chocolate Marble Magic: Swirl 1/4 cup cocoa-infused batter through the vanilla base, creating beautiful marbled patterns and complementary chocolate notes.
• Lavender Honey Elegance: Add 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender and replace 2 tablespoons sugar with honey for a sophisticated, floral-kissed cake experience.

Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake FAQs

• What makes this buttermilk cake so moist?

The buttermilk is the secret ingredient that adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the cake. Its acidic nature helps break down gluten proteins, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb.

• Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

While you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, authentic buttermilk provides the best flavor and texture. For best results, use real buttermilk.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should also be golden and spring back when lightly touched.

• Why is it important to grease and flour the cake pans?

Greasing and flouring prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and maintaining the cake’s beautiful shape when you turn it out after baking.

Moist Vanilla Buttermilk Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent vanilla buttermilk cake delivers pure comfort in each heavenly slice, promising nostalgic bakery magic. Delicate crumb and rich flavor make this classic dessert an irresistible centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.75 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare two circular baking vessels by coating interior surfaces with butter and dusting with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent potential sticking.
2. Create a protective lining for each pan using parchment paper, trimming edges precisely to fit perfectly against metal surfaces.
3. Position oven rack centrally and activate temperature control, allowing equipment to warm thoroughly to 350 degrees fahrenheit for optimal baking environment.
4. Meticulously sift together dry ingredients, breaking down potential flour clumps and incorporating air to guarantee uniform texture throughout cake mixture.
5. In separate mixing vessel, cream butter and sugar until transformation occurs – becoming light, fluffy, and substantially increased in volume, creating foundation for exceptional cake structure.
6. Gradually incorporate eggs into butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain smooth, cohesive consistency without risk of separation.
7. Alternate adding measured dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk into primary mixture, stirring gently to maintain delicate air pockets essential for achieving tender crumb.
8. Introduce vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution throughout batter for consistent aromatic flavor profile.
9. Divide prepared batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surface with spatula to eliminate potential air pockets and create level cake layers.
10. Transfer pans to preheated oven, positioning centrally for consistent heat circulation and even baking.
11. Monitor cake’s progress, testing doneness by inserting slender wooden pick into center – emerging clean indicates complete cooking process.
12. Remove from oven, allowing cakes to rest momentarily within pans before carefully transferring onto wire cooling surface for complete temperature reduction.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for the most even mixing and best cake texture.
• When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense, heavy cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten and create a dense, chewy cake instead of a tender crumb.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the icing, ensuring a professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg