Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake
Magnolia Bakery's Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert featuring a moist, soft cake with a rich, buttery flavor. It's layered with a creamy, sweet vanilla buttercream frosting. Known for its simplicity and delightful taste, it's a favorite among customers, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
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!
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.