Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting brings pure comfort to your kitchen, where warm vanilla aroma meets rich cocoa indulgence. Fluffy, golden layers bake up tender and soft, then get topped with a silky chocolate frosting that melts on your tongue. A splash of fresh brewed coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, while almond milk keeps everything smooth and creamy, no liqueurs needed. Perfect for birthdays, afternoon treats, or spontaneous celebrations, this classic duo is easy to make and feels like a sweet hug in every slice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This vanilla cake chocolate frosting
- It’s a delightful balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
- Perfectly moist and fluffy, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- The creamy chocolate frosting adds a rich touch that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to make, so you can whip it up in no time for unexpected guests.
- Customizable with your favorite sprinkles or toppings for a personal touch.
vanilla cake chocolate frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix will give your cake the perfect structure.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, making it light and tender.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about an hour. Patience is key!
- In a bowl, beat the butter and cocoa powder together. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a splash of milk until creamy and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate frosting over the cooled cake. Make it as thick or thin as you like. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delightful vanilla cake with creamy chocolate frosting!
- 2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups – Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon – Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon – Salt
- ½ cup – Unsalted butter, softened
- 3 – Eggs
- 1 cup – Milk
- 2 teaspoons – Vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup – Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups – Powdered sugar
How to Make vanilla cake chocolate frosting
This delightful vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is a treat for any occasion! With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 25-30 minutes, and a cooling time of 1 hour, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your friends and family.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix will give your cake the perfect structure.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, making it light and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about an hour. Patience is key!
Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a bowl, beat the butter and cocoa powder together. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a splash of milk until creamy and smooth.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Spread the chocolate frosting over the cooled cake. Make it as thick or thin as you like. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 110 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Chilled or at room temperature |
Pro Tips for Making vanilla cake chocolate frosting
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix; fold gently to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Chill the chocolate frosting for easier spreading.
- Experiment with different extracts for a unique flavor twist.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
How to Serve this vanilla cake chocolate frosting
- Top with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Add sprinkles or nuts for a fun crunch.
- Slice and serve at birthday parties or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing vanilla cake chocolate frosting Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
Freezing vanilla cake chocolate frosting
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- For frosting, store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Reheating vanilla cake chocolate frosting
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- For a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Let frosting come to room temperature before using.
- Re-whip frosting if it appears too firm after thawing.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you put chocolate icing on a vanilla cake?
Absolutely! Chocolate icing pairs wonderfully with vanilla cake, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. The rich, creamy chocolate frosting enhances the light and fluffy vanilla cake, making it a popular choice for many dessert lovers.
2. What kind of frosting goes well with vanilla cake?
While chocolate frosting is a classic choice, vanilla cake also pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even fruit-flavored frostings like strawberry or lemon. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile to complement the vanilla base.
3. What flavor cake goes best with chocolate frosting?
Chocolate frosting is incredibly versatile and can be paired with various cake flavors. However, it shines particularly well on vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet cakes, creating a rich and indulgent dessert experience.
4. Do vanilla and chocolate go together?
Yes, vanilla and chocolate are a classic combination! The sweet, creamy notes of vanilla beautifully balance the rich, deep flavors of chocolate, making them a perfect match in many desserts, including cakes, cookies, and ice creams.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this vanilla cake with chocolate frosting as we are! It’s a simple, delightful treat that brings back sweet memories and creates new ones. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite. You deserve this little slice of happiness!