Description
This High Volume Vanilla Cake delivers ultra-tall, fluffy layers with a tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for layer cakes, special celebrations, and decorating, it’s a bakery-style recipe designed to rise beautifully every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and sour cream.
- With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Tap each pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting or assembling.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a consistent rise.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of vanilla bean paste or seeds from one vanilla pod.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger tiered cakes or halved for a smaller yield.
- Wrap and freeze the layers ahead of time for easier decorating and assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of full cake)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: vanilla layer cake, tall fluffy cake, bakery style vanilla cake, high rise cake, celebration cake