When it comes to classic desserts, few things beat a slice of moist, fluffy vanilla cake. One recipe that has gained quite the following is the Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake.
Known for its tender crumb and rich flavor, this cake is a real treat for any occasion. If you’re looking to recreate this beloved bakery-style cake in the comfort of your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make the iconic Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake from scratch.
You’ll learn how to create a deliciously light and airy cake that’s perfect for pairing with any frosting or filling. Let’s get started!.
What Is So Special About Magnolia Bakery?
Magnolia Bakery is special because it has become a beloved symbol of classic American desserts, known for its warm, nostalgic atmosphere and its iconic baked goods.
Founded in New York City in 1996, the bakery gained worldwide fame, especially for its rich, moist cakes and cupcakes, and its signature banana pudding.
What sets Magnolia apart is its commitment to traditional recipes, high-quality ingredients, and attention to detail, creating treats that feel homemade and comforting.
How To Prepare Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300 kcal
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
To make this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional for lining cake pans)
Ingredients
For The Vanilla Cake:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk, at room temperature
The Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tablespoons whole milk
- A pinch of salt
How To Make Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
7. Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
8. Slice and enjoy your homemade Magnolia Bakery vanilla cake!
Notes
❖ Storage: If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. Be sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
❖ Make-Ahead Option: You can bake the cakes a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to frost and serve. Just let them come to room temperature before frosting.
❖ Frosting Tip: If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider using whipped cream instead of buttercream for a fluffier finish.
How To Decorate Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
1. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can instantly make your cake look sophisticated and festive. Choose edible flowers such as pansies, violets, or lavender, or simply use flowers that are safe for consumption (check the type before using).
Arrange the flowers in clusters on top of the cake or scatter them along the sides for a natural, garden-inspired look.
2. Sprinkles Galore
For a fun and colorful twist, load the top and sides of your cake with sprinkles! You can use rainbow sprinkles, metallic gold sprinkles, or even custom-colored ones to match your party theme.
Sprinkles are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or when you want to add a playful touch to your vanilla cake.
3. Chocolate Shavings and Shards
For a more elegant and refined finish, sprinkle chocolate shavings or create chocolate shards. To make chocolate shards, melt some chocolate and spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Once it cools and hardens, break it into shards and arrange them on top of the cake. This decoration is particularly appealing for chocolate lovers and adds texture to the smooth frosting.
Tips And Variations
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before beginning the recipe. This helps create a smoother batter and more even cake texture.
2. Custom Frosting: You can experiment with different frosting flavors like chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting to give this cake a unique twist.
3. Add a Flavor Twist: For a subtle twist on the classic vanilla flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter.
4. Make It a Layer Cake: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, double the recipe and make a multi-layered cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time.
Conclusion
Magnolia Bakery has earned its place as a staple in the world of baked goods by staying true to the art of classic, comforting desserts.
Its signature cakes, cupcakes, and banana pudding have won over the hearts of many, thanks to their rich flavors and attention to quality.
Recreating a Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake at home allows you to enjoy a piece of this iconic bakery and bring a bit of that magic into your own kitchen.
Whether you choose to decorate it with elegant rosettes, fresh flowers, or a fun sprinkle of color, this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake is sure to impress and delight any audience. Happy baking!
Here Are Some Recipes You Might Enjoy
Chocolate Cake With Boiled Icing || Old Fashioned
How to Make Vanilla Bourbon Cake Recipe
Simple Banana And Cranberry Bread Recipe
Delicious Banana Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling
Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe || Buttercream Frosting
Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional for lining cake pans)
Ingredients
For The Vanilla Cake:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 ¼ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk at room temperature
The Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tablespoons whole milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade Magnolia Bakery vanilla cake!