The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Layered Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Layered Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Get ready to impress with a show-stopping Layered Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! This dessert combines fluffy vanilla layers with a rich, creamy frosting that drips enticingly down the sides. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Layered Vanilla Cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The tender cake layers paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting create a perfect balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Visually stunning and perfect for celebrations
  • Rich, creamy frosting that complements the light cake
  • Simple ingredients that create an impressive dessert
  • Versatile for various occasions and flavors

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
  • Extra vanilla extract (optional, for frosting)

How to Make Layered Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
  9. Add the 2 tablespoons of milk and mix until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor if desired.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  11. For a beautiful finish, let some frosting drip down the sides. Decorate as desired with sprinkles or fresh fruit.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • For a moist cake, avoid opening the oven door during baking.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Easy Variations

  • Add lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
  • Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
  • Layer the cake with fresh berries or jam between the layers for added flavor and texture.

What to Serve With It

  • Fresh fruit salad for a light side
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing
  • Coffee or tea to complement the sweetness of the cake
  • Berries on top for an extra pop of color and flavor

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe Card

Layered Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
  • Extra vanilla extract (optional, for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
  4. Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  5. For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk. Adjust consistency as needed.
  6. Once cakes are cooled, frost the top of the first layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.

Notes: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting for best results.

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top