If you are searching for a classic dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than this irresistible Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Moist and airy, this vanilla cake layer offers a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced by a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting. It’s truly a beloved favorite that brings warmth and joy to any celebration or cozy gathering. With every bite, you’ll taste the harmony of simple ingredients elevated to something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are straightforward but come together to create complex textures and flavors. Knowing these essentials means you’re already halfway to creating a bakery-worthy treat right at home!
- Cake flour and cornstarch: These give your cake an ultra-light, tender crumb that feels like a cloud.
- Baking powder and salt: Essential for lift and a balanced flavor foundation in the cake.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, butter adds richness and moistness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that helps create a fine crumb and tender texture.
- Eggs: Bringing moisture, structure, and binding everything beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: The heart of this vanilla cake, adding warmth and aromatic depth.
- Milk: Hydrates the batter and keeps the cake soft and delicate.
- Cream cheese and unsalted butter (for frosting): Blended together for a smooth, tangy yet rich frosting base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetening while enhancing the silky texture of the frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to create a light, airy frosting that melts warmly on the tongue.
How to Make Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This keeps your cake moist and makes it easy to remove once baked. Next, combine your dry ingredients – cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt – in a bowl and set it aside. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar at high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three minutes; this is crucial for that perfect airy texture. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated fully before adding the next, then beat in the vanilla extract for that classic vanilla essence.
Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add half of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Slowly pour in the milk and continue beating until it’s fully integrated. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix at medium speed for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is perfectly blended without overworking the batter. This ensures you have that soft, tender crumb that makes this Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe extra special.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Completely cooling your layers is essential to avoid melting the luscious frosting later.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form — this light step brings a cloudlike texture to the frosting. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky and uniform. Finally, gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture to create a velvety, airy frosting that is less sweet and perfectly tangy, complementing the vanilla cake layers beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Remove the parchment paper from your cooled cake layers. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over it. Add the second cake layer on top and lightly press to secure. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake in a smooth or rustic style, whatever your mood inspires. The contrast between the moist cake and the whipped cream cheese frosting is simply divine!
How to Serve Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate this classic Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe into a showstopper. Think fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and tartness that brightens each bite. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or delicate grated white chocolate adds texture and a touch of elegance without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
For pairing, a light cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee works wonderfully. If you want to lure in more indulgence, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple fruit compote. The creamy, cold ice cream paired with the airy cake provides a delightful contrast that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun, so why not try serving this cake as mini layered cupcakes or a pretty sheet cake decorated with piped frosting swirls? You could also slice your cake into thin layers and create elegant mini trifles layered with fresh fruit and extra frosting. No matter how you dress it up, this Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated for up to five days to maintain the frosting’s texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and assemble. For frosting leftovers, store them in an airtight container and thaw gently before using.
Reheating
Since this Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if needed, allow the cake to come to room temperature after refrigeration for the best flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the cream cheese frosting’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I substitute whole wheat flour in this recipe?
While possible, substituting whole wheat flour may affect the texture, making the cake denser and less tender. It’s best to stick to cake flour for that light, airy crumb essential to this Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How do I know when the cake is baked perfectly?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. Avoid opening the oven door too early so the cake bakes evenly and stays moist.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
You can prepare the whipped cream cheese frosting a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a gentle whip before spreading to refresh its texture.
Is this cake suitable for a layered birthday cake?
Absolutely! This Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is ideal for layering and will impress guests with its moist crumb and fluffy frosting — perfect for birthdays or special occasions.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the cake?
Cornstarch helps achieve the cake’s tender crumb, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of additional cake flour or all-purpose flour for a slightly firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a homemade Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort and celebration all wrapped into one. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this cake promises tender crumb, creamy frosting, and joy in every bite. Give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to dessert for every occasion!
PrintVanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This Vanilla Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting features a perfectly moist, airy vanilla cake paired with a rich and creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting made from heavy whipping cream. It’s an easy-to-make, elegant dessert ideal for celebrations or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and butter the sides to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer at high speed, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Combine flour and milk: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the batter and beat on low speed until just combined. Then add the milk, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add remaining flour: Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and beat at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and evenly blended.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven; let them cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the whipped cream: In a chilled large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together at medium speed until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into cream cheese: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy frosting.
- Assemble the cake: Remove the parchment paper from the cooled cake layers. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand, spread one-third of the frosting evenly over it. Place the second cake layer on top and press lightly. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake light and airy.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to help it whip faster and hold peaks better.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for a rich, creamy frosting.
- Store the cake refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
