| | | |

14 Essential Vanilla Cake Recipes

Vanilla cake is a foundational dessert, cherished for its comforting flavor and adaptable nature. Whether you prefer a light and airy texture or a rich, dense crumb, there’s a vanilla cake variation to suit every taste and occasion. This collection explores a range of recipes, from classic preparations to creative twists, each showcasing the beloved aroma and taste of pure vanilla.

1. Fluffy Vanilla Chiffon Cake

Fluffy Vanilla Chiffon Cake

An airy and light sponge cake that relies on whipped egg whites for structure, perfect for serving with fresh fruit.

Get the Recipe

2. Confetti Vanilla Cake

Confetti Vanilla Cake

A playful white cake batter folded with colorful sprinkles and covered in a smooth buttercream frosting.

Get the Recipe

3. Classic Vanilla Bean Layer Cake

Classic Vanilla Bean Layer Cake

This timeless dessert features moist white cake layers speckled with real vanilla bean paste for a deep and authentic flavor.

Get the Recipe

4. Buttermilk Vanilla Bundt Cake

Buttermilk Vanilla Bundt Cake

A dense and tender ring cake with a tangy crumb, finished with a simple vanilla glaze poured over the top.

Get the Recipe

5. Old-Fashioned Yellow Cake with Fudge Frosting

Old-Fashioned Yellow Cake with Fudge Frosting

A golden, buttery cake made with egg yolks for richness, paired with a thick and creamy chocolate ganache topping.

Get the Recipe

6. White Chocolate Vanilla Cake

White Chocolate Vanilla Cake

This variation incorporates melted white chocolate into the batter for a velvety texture and extra sweetness.

Get the Recipe

7. Glazed Vanilla Pound Cake

Glazed Vanilla Pound Cake

A heavy, buttery loaf cake with a tight crumb, baked slowly and topped with a sweet icing drizzle.

Get the Recipe

8. Lemon Zest Vanilla Cake

Lemon Zest Vanilla Cake

Fresh citrus peel is rubbed into the sugar before mixing to lift the traditional vanilla flavor with a bright, aromatic note.

Get the Recipe

9. Vanilla Coconut Layer Cake

Vanilla Coconut Layer Cake

Soft cake layers are filled with coconut cream and covered in sweetened shredded coconut flakes for a tropical variation.

Get the Recipe

10. Salted Caramel Vanilla Poke Cake

Salted Caramel Vanilla Poke Cake

A baked vanilla sheet cake is poked with holes and soaked in a rich caramel sauce to ensure every bite is moist.

Get the Recipe

11. French Vanilla Sheet Cake

French Vanilla Sheet Cake

A crowd-pleasing tray bake featuring a distinct custard-like flavor profile and a whipped frosting.

Get the Recipe

12. Almond Vanilla Tea Cake

Almond Vanilla Tea Cake

A simple, elegant cake enhanced with a hint of almond extract and topped with toasted sliced almonds.

Get the Recipe

13. Vanilla Custard Cream Cake

Vanilla Custard Cream Cake

Layers of soft yellow sponge cake are sandwiched with a thick, homemade vanilla pastry cream filling.

Get the Recipe

14. Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake

Strawberry Vanilla Swirl Cake

Classic vanilla batter marbled with a fresh strawberry reduction creates a fruity and visual twist on the standard recipe.

Get the Recipe