Light Vanilla Bundle Cake (Printable)

Light and fluffy vanilla cake perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Easy to make, serves 12.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tsp baking powder
03 - ½ tsp baking soda
04 - ½ tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

→ Optional Frosting

10 - 4 cups powdered sugar
11 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 2-3 tbsp milk
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
08 - Beat together powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Add vanilla and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Buttermilk creates an incredibly tender crumb that stays moist for days
  • The recipe doubles beautifully for those unexpected potluck invitations
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable here. Cold butter and eggs will not cream properly leading to a dense cake.
  • That alternating method of adding dry and wet ingredients is what prevents gluten from developing too much.
03 -
  • Bring your eggs to room temperature in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes if you forgot to take them out earlier.
  • Sprinkle the pan with sugar instead of flour for a slightly crispy edge that bakers love.

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