Name: Buttermilk Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour; 2½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk; Pinch of salt

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Cake:

2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preparation Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cake releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. These dry ingredients will give the cake structure and lightness.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until pale, light, and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to creating an airy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—do not overbeat.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap them gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Beat until fluffy—about 3–5 minutes.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer over it and frost the top and sides. Use an offset spatula for smooth application.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~520 kcal
Sugar: 47g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg