02/16/2026
Costco-Style Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
4–5 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step gives that classic bakery texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Fold in the sour cream until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla, salt, and cream, then beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
Place one cake layer on a board, spread frosting evenly, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides smoothly for that classic wholesale bakery finish.
Chill slightly before slicing for clean cuts.
This cake is soft, rich, and perfect for birthdays or large event orders 🤍✨