Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe is a classic homemade dessert made from soft butter cake layers covered in rich chocolate frosting.
The vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe bakes up light, tender, and moist, while the chocolate topping adds a deep cocoa flavor that balances the gentle sweetness of vanilla.
The taste is smooth, creamy, and comforting without being too sweet. Creating vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe and discovering new things is my real job.
The specialty of this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe lies in its fluffy texture and creamy finish. Additions such as sprinkles, fresh berries, or chopped nuts can enhance both flavor and presentation.
I will now show up and show step by step about this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe.
About This Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Vanilla cake chocolate frosting recipe has a gentle, buttery sweetness from the vanilla layers that melts softly in the mouth. The cake is light and moist, providing a tender crumb that balances perfectly with the rich, creamy chocolate frosting.
The frosting adds a deep, slightly sweet cocoa flavor that enhances the vanilla without overpowering it. Each slice feels indulgent yet not heavy, offering a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Subtle notes from the butter and vanilla make the flavor comforting, while the chocolate frosting brings richness and a touch of elegance to the dessert.

How To Prepare Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 2 mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- 2 round 9-inch cake pans
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
- Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 5 tablespoons evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour two 9-inches round cake pans.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and mix well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with evaporated milk. Add the vanilla extract and beat until creamy and spreadable.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Slice and serve.
Notes: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting. You can add a small splash of evaporated milk if the frosting is too thick.
Nutrition Facts Of Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 55g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
How It Works
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe works by carefully combining ingredients in a way that creates structure, moisture, and flavor. Creaming the butter and sugar adds air, which helps the cake rise and become light.
Eggs provide stability and richness, while flour gives the cake its structure. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the batter expand in the oven.
Alternating dry ingredients with buttermilk keeps the batter smooth and balanced. The frosting blends fat, sugar, and cocoa for a creamy, spreadable finish.
Why It’s A Favorite Among Dessert Lovers?
Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe is a favorite among dessert lovers because it balances light, tender cake and rich, creamy chocolate.
The soft texture of the cake melts in the mouth, while the frosting adds a smooth, indulgent taste that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it.
The familiar flavors of vanilla and chocolate create comfort and nostalgia, making it appealing to all ages. Adding decorations such as sprinkles, fresh fruits, or nuts can elevate the experience.
This vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe delivers both elegance and warmth, making it highly loved at gatherings and celebrations.
My Tips For Success!
1. Always bring ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix smoothly and creates a light, tender cake.
2. Measure flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling it with a knife. Too much flour can make the cake dense.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. This step traps air, giving the cake a soft, airy texture.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter. This keeps the mixture smooth and prevents over mixing.
5. Allow the cakes to cool completely before spreading frosting. Frosting warm cake can melt and become runny.
6. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread frosting evenly. This creates a neat, professional-looking finish and helps hold any toppings in place.
My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
My favorite ways to serve vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe up include slicing the cake into generous squares and arranging them on a decorative plate for a tea-time treat.
Layering it with fresh berries or strawberries creates a visually appealing dessert that adds a hint of tartness. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top enhances presentation and taste.
Individual portions served in small ramekins or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream turn it into a special dessert experience. Warmed slightly, the frosting becomes soft, making each serving melt in the mouth.
When To Serve
Vanilla cake chocolate frosting recipe can be served after any meal as a sweet ending or during special celebrations like birthdays, family gatherings, or holiday parties. It also works well for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or casual dessert moments at home.
The cake can be served chilled straight from the refrigerator for a firmer texture, or at room temperature for softer layers and creamier frosting. Adding fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate can make it more festive when hosting guests.
Storage Instructions
Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe should be stored in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent the frosting from drying out.
At room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last 4–5 days.
Make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving to restore its soft texture. For extended storage, the unfrosted cake layers can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This delicious and amazing vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe brings joy every time it is made. The soft, tender cake and rich, creamy frosting create a dessert that everyone enjoys.
Serving it to family and friends always brings smiles, and making it is a rewarding experience that fills the kitchen with warmth. Every time I prepare this recipe, I enjoy the process and the results.
I hope others try making vanilla cake with chocolate frosting recipe and experience the same happiness and satisfaction that comes from creating a classic, delightful dessert that is loved by all.
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Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- 2 round 9-inch cake pans
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
- ¾ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 5 tablespoons evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour two 9-inches round cake pans.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the cocoa powder and mix well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with evaporated milk. Add the vanilla extract and beat until creamy and spreadable.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Slice and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Calories: 520 | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Sugar: 55g | Sodium: 220mg
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.