French Vanilla Cake Recipe [Bakery-Style]

French vanilla cake recipe is a rich, moist dessert made using French vanilla pudding mix, butter, flour, and pure vanilla extract. I found this recipe while looking through an old recipe journal, and I was drawn to the deep vanilla flavor.

The first time I felt inspired to bake it was on a quiet Sunday morning when I craved something classic and comforting. I’ve made this French vanilla cake around five times now.

I want to say it turns out better each time. I went for a bakery-style finish but added a touch of coffee creamer for extra smoothness. Now I’ll explain how to make it.

About The French Vanilla Cake Recipe

This French vanilla cake recipe delivers a rich, buttery flavor with a soft and moist texture in every bite. Made with French vanilla pudding mix and pure vanilla extract, it brings a smooth, deep vanilla taste that stands out.

The addition of milk or vanilla coffee creamer makes the batter extra creamy. Topped with a light, homemade vanilla frosting, the cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet treat.

Simple to prepare and rewarding to serve, this cake has quickly become a favorite. French vanilla cake recipe you’ll want to keep and make again without hesitation.

How To Prepare French Vanilla Cake Recipe?

To make sure this French Vanilla Cake Recipe comes out just right, I’ll walk you through every step with clear instructions.

I’ve also listed helpful kitchen tools that make baking smoother, though you don’t need them all. Use what you have on hand, and you’ll still bake a tasty, impressive cake that everyone will enjoy!

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 slices

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 2 Mixing bowls
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Whisk
• 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Sifter
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 packet (3.4 oz) French vanilla pudding mix
• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or French vanilla coffee creamer
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (preferably Madagascar or French vanilla)

For the Frosting

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 ¾ cups (345g) sifted plain flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step ensures a light, tender cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add in the pure vanilla extract and oil, and mix until smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or coffee creamer) into the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined don’t over mix.

6. Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake in preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes. Then remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

8. Make the Frosting

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy. If needed, chill the frosting slightly for easier spreading.

9. Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out or decorate as desired. Chill the cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing for clean edges.

Notes

French vanilla creamer will boost the flavor, but milk works just fine if you prefer it less sweet. For a moister cake, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.

You can refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days in an airtight container, but let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts Of French Vanilla Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	520
Total Fat	29g
Saturated Fat	17g
Cholesterol	115mg
Sodium	250mg
Total Carbohydrates	60g
Sugars	40g
Protein	6g

Why My Recipe Works

My French vanilla cake recipe works because it balances rich ingredients like butter and vanilla pudding mix to create a moist, tender cake with deep flavor.

Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the batter blend smoothly, resulting in a light texture. The combination of baking powder and pudding mix ensures the cake rises well without drying out.

Adding milk or vanilla creamer keeps the cake moist and enhances the vanilla taste. The frosting complements the cake perfectly, tying all the flavors together.

Careful mixing and proper baking time make this recipe reliable and delicious every time.

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This French vanilla cake recipe stands out because it creates a moist, flavorful cake with a smooth vanilla taste that feels special without being complicated. U

sing French vanilla pudding mix adds extra richness and helps keep the cake soft. It’s simple enough to make any day but impressive enough for celebrations.

The French vanilla cake recipe texture works well with different frostings or enjoyed plain. It’s a recipe that consistently turns out well, making it a dependable option to have on hand whenever a sweet treat is needed.

Trying this French vanilla cake recipe will show why it’s become a favorite for many home bakers.

Expert Tips

● Always use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth mixing and a light, fluffy cake texture.

● Sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and make the batter more even.

● Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

● Use whole milk or French vanilla creamer for extra richness and moisture.

● Don’t skip tapping the cake pans on the counter before baking to release air bubbles.

● Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

● Chill the frosting briefly if it feels too soft, making it easier to spread smoothly.

How Can I Decorate To Serve

For serving, keep the decoration simple and elegant. Spread a smooth layer of the vanilla frosting over the cake, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create soft swirls or waves on the surface.

You can add a light dusting of powdered sugar or sprinkle some toasted nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries make a lovely, colorful topping.

If you want a little more flair, pipe small rosettes or borders using a piping bag and a star tip. Keep decorations balanced to highlight the French vanilla cake recipe classic flavor.

Additions Of French Vanilla Cake Recipe

◆ Chocolate chips – Adding chocolate chips to the batter gives bursts of rich, melty chocolate in every bite, making the cake even more indulgent.

◆ Chopped nuts – Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cake texture.

◆ Fresh berries – Fold in raspberries, blueberries, or chopped strawberries to add natural sweetness and a pop of color inside the cake.

◆ Caramel or butterscotch swirl – Gently swirl caramel or butterscotch sauce into the batter before baking to create pockets of gooey sweetness throughout.

◆ Toasted coconut flakes – Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting to add a subtle crunch and a tropical flavor note.

Variations Of French Vanilla Cake Recipe

➤ Almond extract substitution – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give the cake a warm, nutty aroma and a slightly different flavor profile.

➤ Cream cheese frosting – Replace the vanilla buttercream with cream cheese frosting for a tangy, creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

➤ Citrus zest addition – Add lemon or orange zest to the batter or frosting to brighten the flavor and give the cake a fresh, zesty twist.

➤ Almond flour substitution – Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to add moisture, density, and a subtle nuttiness, resulting in a richer texture.

➤ Cupcake format – Bake the batter as cupcakes instead of a full cake for easier portioning, faster baking, and great individual presentation for parties or gatherings.

How Do I Store This Cake?

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in a cake dome, which helps prevent it from drying out.

Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. If you need to store it for more than a week, wrap the French vanilla cake recipe layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze them.

Thaw in the fridge overnight, then French vanilla cake recipe bring to room temperature before frosting or serving.

FAQs for French Vanilla Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This French vanilla cake recipe turned out absolutely delicious and was truly enjoyed by everyone who tasted it. Making it gave me creative ideas to try new flavors and textures in future bakes.

I’m sure you’re feeling inspired to make French vanilla cake recipe too, and once you start, you’ll enjoy every step of the process.

Stick with it, follow the steps with care, and soon you’ll complete your baking mission with a beautiful, flavorful French vanilla cake recipe to be proud of.

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