French Vanilla Cake

Name: French Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 eggs; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

Delight in the rich, creamy flavors of this classic French Vanilla Cake, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T17:10:20.559Z

This French Vanilla Cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to your gatherings. Its light texture and aromatic vanilla flavor will transport you to a quaint Parisian café with every bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration

      

The Essence of French Vanilla

French vanilla cake is known for its rich and creamy flavor profile, setting it apart from standard vanilla cakes. The unique taste comes from the use of vanilla bean or vanilla extract, which adds a deep, aromatic quality to the cake. This cake embodies the luxurious and indulgent feel associated with French desserts, making it a beloved choice for special occasions.

The cake's texture is a delightful balance of lightness and moisture, achieved through the creaming method, which incorporates air into the batter. This light and fluffy consistency ensures that each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more. The combination of ingredients harmonizes perfectly, creating a cake that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

This French Vanilla Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. For an elegant touch, consider serving it with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a balanced dessert that is sure to impress.

Another delightful option is to pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy additions enhance the vanilla flavor and add a refreshing element to each slice. For special occasions, consider layering the cake with fruit preserves or chocolate ganache to elevate the dessert experience.

Tips for Baking Success

When baking a French Vanilla Cake, precise measurements and proper mixing techniques are key to achieving the desired texture and flavor. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, using the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid a dense cake. Additionally, allow your butter to soften at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which is not ideal for this light and fluffy cake. Mix until just combined for the best results, ensuring a tender crumb that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 eggs
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tbsp heavy cream

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with vanilla buttercream once cooled.

Enjoy your cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your French Vanilla Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, although this may affect the cake's texture. For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

If you're planning a special event, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on the day of the celebration but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Customization Options

One of the joys of making a French Vanilla Cake is the variety of customization options available. You can easily infuse different flavors by adding almond extract or citrus zest to the batter for a unique twist. For a chocolate lover's dream, consider layering the cake with chocolate frosting or ganache.

Frosting is another area where you can get creative. While a classic vanilla buttercream is traditional, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon to complement the vanilla base. Adding sprinkles, nuts, or toasted coconut on top can also enhance the cake's visual appeal and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a non-dairy version.