Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake

Name: Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Celebration Seasonal Food Inspiration

I absolutely love baking, and when spring arrives, I find myself craving light, fluffy cakes that celebrate the season. This Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake is my go-to recipe, perfect for gatherings or a special treat. With layers of soft, vanilla-scented sponge cake and rich frosting, it captures the essence of spring in every bite. I’ve spent time perfecting the balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful centerpiece for any occasion. You can easily adapt it with fresh fruits or edible flowers for an extra touch!

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:25:36.293Z

Baking this Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake was a joyful experience that brightened my kitchen. I started by creaming the butter and sugar to achieve that perfect fluffy texture. To ensure the cake layers were moist and evenly baked, I used the toothpick test before taking them out of the oven. This method has consistently worked for me, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser!

As I layered the cake with creamy vanilla frosting, I couldn’t help but feel excited about sharing it. One secret I discovered is to let the cake sit for a while after frosting; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite feels like a celebration of spring, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Delicate vanilla flavor enhanced by fresh spring ingredients
Perfect for spring celebrations or simply enjoying with tea

The Role of Each Ingredient

In this Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake, every ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the cake's delightful texture and flavor. The combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder creates a well-structured cake that rises beautifully, ensuring the layers are light and airy. Specifically, the baking powder acts as a leavening agent that helps the cake rise as it bakes. Be sure to measure the flour accurately; too much can lead to a dense cake that lacks the desired fluffiness.

The choice of unsalted butter is vital for flavor control; it allows you to manage the salt content in your frosting and prevents it from becoming overly salty. Furthermore, using room-temperature butter ensures proper creaming with sugar, leading to a lighter batter. For the milk, whole milk is preferred for its higher fat content, contributing to the moistness and rich taste of the cake. If you're short on whole milk, you can substitute with 2% milk plus a tablespoon of melted butter to mimic the desired creaminess.

Frosting Mastery

Achieving the perfect frosting is an essential aspect of this cake. Start by ensuring your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature—this helps create a smooth, creamy texture when it's whipped. Beat the butter until it’s light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Then, gradually add your powdered sugar, allowing it to incorporate without creating a cloud of dust. Mixing the heavy cream into the frosting adds a luxurious richness that complements the vanilla flavors beautifully.

One of the common pitfalls with frosting is it being too thick. If this happens, simply add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. A well-balanced frosting should be spreadable but not runny. After frosting the layers, a good trick for a polished finish is to use a bench scraper around the sides of the cake, smoothing it out for an elegant appearance. Remember, a little practice goes a long way in making your frosting look professional!

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until fully combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool Layers

Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy and gradually mix in powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream and vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and repeat with the remaining layers.

Decorate

Finish with frosting on the top and sides. Decorate as desired.

Enjoy Your Cake!

Pro Tips

For an added burst of flavor, consider layering fresh berries between the cake layers or decorating the top with edible flowers.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Moist Spring Vanilla Layer Cake can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic option for busy spring celebrations. You can bake the cake layers a day ahead, allowing them to cool completely before storing them. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. When you're ready to serve, allow them to come to room temperature before frosting, as this prevents the frosting from becoming too thick.

For the frosting, you can prepare it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to take the frosting out ahead of time, allowing it to soften, and rewhip it briefly before spreading it on your cake. This will make spreading much easier and ensure a creamy consistency, perfect for layering between cakes or for decorative piping.

Variations to Consider

While this cake is delightful as is, feel free to adapt it for a more personalized touch. For those who want to incorporate seasonal fruits, consider adding layers of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or lemon curd between the cake layers. Not only do they enhance the flavor but they also add a pop of color that’s perfect for spring. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the vanilla extract for almond or citrus extracts to change the flavor profile entirely.

For a more decadent twist, consider adding a cream cheese frosting layer along with the vanilla buttercream. This provides a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet sponge cake. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version to accommodate dietary restrictions, you can use a combination of Greek yogurt and butter instead of just butter in the frosting for a reduced-fat option that still maintains delicious flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and assemble them just before your event.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

→ How long does this cake last?

This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap, and they can be frozen for up to three months.