Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe is a timeless dessert that combines the light, fluffy texture of a homemade vanilla cake with the rich, creamy sweetness of chocolate frosting.
This Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something sweet.
The Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe is made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, while the frosting is a luscious blend of butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cream.
Easy to make and customizable with fun decorating ideas, this cake offers a satisfying balance of flavors and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
How To Prepare Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Calories: 340 kcal
Cuisine: American
Yield: 10 servings
Equipment Needed
To make this Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easy cake removal)
- Cake decorating tools (optional, for frosting)
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ⅔ cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅛ cups whole milk
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, melted and cooled
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4-6 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of flour, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup butter and 2 ⅔ cups sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add Eggs & Oils
Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add ⅓ cup oil, ¼ tsp almond extract, and 4 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients & Milk:
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 ⅛ cups milk in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
6. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7.Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Chocolate Frosting:
While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat 1 ½ cups softened butter with the 6 oz melted chocolate until smooth. Gradually add 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix in 4-6 tbsp of heavy cream, adjusting the consistency to your preference.
9. Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or your preferred garnish.
Notes:
Storage: Store leftover Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, sift in more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Authentic Variations
1. Strawberry and Chocolate Cake
Add a layer of fresh strawberry jam or pureed strawberries between the cake layers for a fresh fruit twist. This classic combination of strawberries and chocolate will add a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
2. Lemon-Infused Vanilla Cake
For a citrusy kick, add lemon zest to the cake batter and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract. This creates a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate frosting.
3. Nutty Chocolate Cake
For a more textured cake, fold in some chopped walnuts or almonds into the cake batter. The nuts will give the cake a satisfying crunch, complementing the smooth chocolate frosting beautifully.
4. Coffee-Infused Chocolate Frosting
For an added depth of flavor, mix a tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the chocolate frosting. The coffee enhances the chocolate’s richness and gives the frosting a subtle espresso flavor.
5. Coconut-Topped Cake
If you’re a fan of coconut, sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosting for a tropical touch. It adds texture and a slight sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with both vanilla cake and chocolate frosting.
Amazing Decorate Ideas
1. Chocolate Shavings and Drizzle
Use a vegetable peeler to shave a bar of chocolate, then sprinkle the shavings evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
For the drizzle, melt some chocolate and pour it over the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
2. Fresh Berries and Mint Leaves
Arrange the berries in a decorative pattern on the top, either in a circular arrangement or a scatter. Finish with mint leaves for a touch of greenery.
3. Sprinkles or Confetti
After frosting the cake, sprinkle a generous amount of colorful sprinkles or edible confetti on top. You can also scatter some around the edges for a playful effect. Choose sprinkles that complement your occasion, whether rainbow, metallic, or themed.
4. Whipped Cream Swirls and Chocolate Chips
Pipe little swirls of fresh whipped cream using a piping bag and a star tip. Add chocolate chips or curls to the center of each swirl for a more refined decoration.
5. Themed Decorations
For a birthday, place a fun “Happy Birthday” topper on the center, and add matching colors for a cohesive look. For a holiday like Christmas, you can use mini fondant snowflakes or candy canes as decorations.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this delicious Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe as much as I do!
It’s a simple, versatile recipe that can be easily customized to fit any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet, this Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe is sure to impress.
Don’t forget to get creative with your decorations and add your personal touch. Happy baking, and I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to leave a comment below and share your experience!
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Vanilla Cake And Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easy cake removal)
- Cake decorating tools (optional, for frosting)
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ⅔ cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ⅓ cup neutral oil
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ⅛ cups whole milk
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 6 oz semisweet or dark chocolate melted and cooled
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4-6 tbsp heavy cream adjust for desired consistency
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of flour, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup butter and 2 ⅔ cups sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add Eggs & Oils
- Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add ⅓ cup oil, ¼ tsp almond extract, and 4 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients & Milk:
- With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 ⅛ cups milk in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Frosting:
- While the cakes cool, make the frosting. Beat 1 ½ cups softened butter with the 6 oz melted chocolate until smooth. Gradually add 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix in 4-6 tbsp of heavy cream, adjusting the consistency to your preference.
Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or your preferred garnish.