I’ve recreated a version of the Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe that’s perfect for home cooks like us. No special tools. No fancy tricks. Just real ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that lead to the kind of cake people will ask you to make again and again.
If you’re looking for a reliable vanilla cake that’s soft, flavorful, and worthy of any celebration (or just a sweet treat after dinner), you’re in the right place.
I’m about to show you how to make a soft, moist, flavorful vanilla cake inspired by the Cake Boss himself—no fancy bakery, no pro tools, just your own kitchen.
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a cake that tastes just like it came from Carlo’s Bakery—light, buttery, and full of rich vanilla flavor—this is the recipe for you.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or pastry training. I’ve tested this recipe in my own home kitchen, and it delivers that bakery-style sponge every single time.
This Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe has become a go-to in my home. Whether it’s for birthdays, family dinners, or just because—you can count on this one to impress. It’s buttery, light, and sweet with just the right amount of vanilla flavor. And the frosting? Let’s just say you might want to eat it with a spoon!
Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a no-fail classic, this Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe is the one you’ll come back to again and again. Let’s bake something sweet together!
Why You’ll Choose Cake Boss Vanilla Cake?
Because it tastes like a slice of bakery magic—without the stress. It’s fluffy, moist, and flavorful.
Plus, this cake pairs beautifully with fruit fillings, buttercream frosting, or served plain with coffee. It’s part of the famous Cake Boss recipes for cakes that people keep making again and again.
What Kind of Cake Does Cake Boss Use?
The Cake Boss uses a classic vanilla sponge as the base for many of his layered masterpieces. This version gives you that same tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor that works for birthdays, weddings, or an everyday treat.
How To Prepare Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
This soft and buttery Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe is the ultimate homemade vanilla cake made with simple pantry ingredients. Fluffy sponge, creamy vanilla frosting, and the classic bakery taste—all from scratch!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 1 two-layer cake (8-inch)
- Calories: ~480 per serving
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (optional but helpful for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Notes
1. Cake flour makes the crumb light and fluffy—don’t swap it with all-purpose unless you sift it well.
2. Room temperature eggs, milk, and butter help everything blend smoothly for the perfect texture.
3. Heavy cream in the frosting makes it extra creamy and spreadable.
How to MakeCake Boss Vanilla Cake?
Step 1: Prep the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3–4 minutes.
Tip: This step is key—don’t rush it. Creaming properly gives the cake a light texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Alternate Dry and Wet
Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
Step 7: Bake
Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tip: Don’t open the oven door early—let the cakes rise fully.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
- Stir in vanilla, heavy cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Tip: Add more cream for a softer spread or more sugar for a thicker consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Sugar: 50g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
Tips and Variations
➤ Fruity twist: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers.
➤ Chocolate lover? Swap ¼ cup flour for cocoa powder for a marble version.
➤ Gluten-free: Use a cake flour substitute mix.
➤ Storage: Store covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
1. With fresh berries and whipped cream
2. Topped with sprinkles and candles for birthdays
3. As a base for wedding or celebration cakes
4. With raspberry filling for a summer spin
Storing Tips
Wrap leftover cake slices in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Recipe Note
This recipe is inspired by the Famous Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe, made easy for the home baker. No fondant, no stress—just simple steps for delicious results every time.
FAQ
Can You Make A Vanilla Cake At Home?
Yes! This recipe proves that bakery-style vanilla cake can be made at home with just basic tools and ingredients.
How Long Do You Bake A Vanilla Cake?
Bake this one for about 30 minutes at 350°F. Just check with a toothpick for doneness.
How Do You Make A Cake With Raspberry Filling?
Simply spread raspberry jam or homemade raspberry compote between the cake layers before frosting.
Is This The Original Cake Boss Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe?
It’s inspired by the Cake Boss recipes for cakes but simplified for home kitchens.
Can I Freeze The Cake?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Let’s Bake It Together!
I hope this Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe brings some of that bakery joy into your home. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Leave a comment, ask a question, or share your version on social media and tag me. Let’s keep baking simple, sweet, and so, so fun! 🧁
Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (optional but helpful for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Alternate Dry and Wet
- Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
Step 7: Bake
- Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
- Stir in vanilla, heavy cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
