Famous Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe

Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe is a classic dessert that has become famous for its light, tender texture and rich, creamy frosting.

The cake tastes sweet and buttery, with a delicate vanilla flavor that melts on the tongue. Creating this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe and exploring new techniques has been my passion, bringing joy through baking.

The specialty of this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe lies in its soft, fluffy layers and smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream that enhances the flavor without being heavy.

Additional touches such as room-temperature ingredients and careful mixing ensure consistent results. I will now guide step by step through making this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe.

About This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe

Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe has a soft, moist, and tender texture with a rich, buttery flavor and a delicate, sweet vanilla taste that melts in the mouth.

The smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting adds a gentle sweetness that balances the cake beautifully.

The cake uses simple, high-quality ingredients: 4 large eggs, 1 1⁄2 cups self-rising flour, 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

The frosting includes 1 cup unsalted butter, 8 cups confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

How To Prepare Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe?

To make this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe perfectly, follow each step carefully. I’ve explained the process clearly and included helpful tips for best results.

A list of useful kitchen tools is provided, though not all are required. Use what you have, and you’ll still achieve a soft, flavorful, and creamy cake.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes per layer

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 2 9-inch cake pans
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very soft
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inches round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add Eggs & Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour and 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.

5. Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with 1 cup milk in two parts. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined do not over mix.

6. Bake the Cake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Frosting:

Beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 8 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, until smooth and spreadable. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar if needed.

8. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining buttercream. Decorate as desired.

Note: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt. If you only have all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt to the self-rising flour measurement.

Cooking Method Explained Simply

The Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe uses a classic creaming and baking method. First, butter and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy, creating air that helps the cake rise.

Eggs and vanilla are added for richness and flavor. Flour and milk are folded in gradually to keep the batter tender. The mixture is poured into prepared pans and baked until golden and springy.

After cooling, the layers are stacked and covered with whipped vanilla buttercream, which adds smoothness and sweetness, completing the cake with a soft, creamy finish.

Nutrition Facts Of Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	450 kcal
Fat	20g
Carbs	65g
Protein	4g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe is a must-try because it captures the magic of a bakery-quality dessert at home. The cake layers are light, moist, and tender, while the buttercream frosting is rich, creamy, and smooth, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

High-quality ingredients enhance every bite, and the process allows learning and experimenting with classic baking techniques.

The result is a cake that looks elegant, tastes comforting, and brings joy to anyone who tries it. It stands out as a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert.

How It Works

This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe works by carefully combining creamed butter and sugar with eggs, which creates air and adds lightness to the batter.

Alternating dry ingredients and milk ensures the cake stays tender and moist, while the gentle folding prevents over mixing that could make it dense. Baking at the right temperature allows the cake to rise evenly and develop a soft, springy texture.

The buttercream frosting is made by beating butter and sugar together, then adding milk and vanilla, creating a smooth, creamy layer that enhances flavor and holds the cake together beautifully.

My Favorite Ways To Decorate And Serve It Up

My favorite ways to decorate Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe start with spreading a smooth layer of vanilla buttercream over the top and sides, creating a clean, polished look.

Adding piped rosettes, swirls, or borders along the edges gives a charming, elegant touch. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar bring color and freshness to the presentation.

Slicing the cake into generous pieces and serving on a simple plate highlights its delicate layers. Pairing it with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk makes each serving feel special and indulgent.

Expert Tips And Tricks

1. Bring eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature so they blend smoothly, helping the cake rise evenly and stay tender.

2. Sifting the flours ensures no clumps remain, creating a soft, delicate crumb that feels light in every slice.

3. Beat butter and sugar until it turns pale and fluffy, which traps air in the batter and gives the cake a soft, springy texture.

4. Add flour and milk in stages, alternating between them, to keep the batter smooth and prevent it from becoming dense.

5. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few crumbs, signaling the cake is baked but still moist.

6. Cool the cake completely before frosting so the layers hold their shape and the buttercream spreads evenly without sliding or melting.

Cake Storage

This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe can be stored to maintain freshness and flavor. At room temperature, cover the frosted cake loosely with a cake dome or plastic wrap and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to restore its soft, tender texture.

For extended preservation, cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe is delicious, and everyone who tries it enjoys the soft, moist layers and creamy buttercream. Every time I make it, it brings joy and satisfaction, whether serving it to friends, family, or guests.

I love sharing this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe because the method is simple and easy to follow, making baking enjoyable and rewarding.

Watching the cake come together and seeing others enjoy it makes the effort worthwhile. I hope anyone who tries this Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cake Recipe will find it as delightful and fun to make as I do.

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