Classic Vanilla Cake

A classic birthday cake should be soft, fluffy, and topped with a generous layer of frosting - and this vegan vanilla cake delivers on all fronts! It’s moist, tender, and perfectly sweet, finished with the creamiest dairy free buttercream frosting. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just craving a slice of homemade vanilla cake, this dessert recipe is a must-try. As Julia Child once said, "A party without cake is just a meeting", so let’s get baking!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted vegan butter
• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Grease three 6-inch (15 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with cut-out parchment paper liners. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. 2In a bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
3. 3Meanwhile, place a sieve over a large bowl and sift together the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Make a shallow well in the centre of the flour mixture.
4. 4Pour the milk mixture and remaining wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, but be careful not to overmix.
5. 5Divide the batter between the pans and tap them on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
6. 6Bake the cakes in the oven on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pans on the rack once at the halfway point. The cakes are done when a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
7. 7Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Carefully peel off the parchment liners and allow the cake to cool completely.
8. 8While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, whip the butter with an electric hand mixer until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
9. 9Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
10. 10Beat the frosting for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until fluffy and lighter in colour.
11. 11Place the first layer of the completely cooled cake, rounded side up, on your serving dish. Cover the cake with ⅓ cup of frosting. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting to the edge of the cake.
12. 12Place the second layer on the cake, flat side up and frost the same way as the bottom layer. Lastly, place the third layer on the cake, flat side up, to complete the cake.
13. 13Cover the top and sides of the cake in frosting.
14. 14Decorate the cake as desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!