Some recipes are more than just measurements and methods—they’re memory keepers. This soft, buttery vanilla layer cake was my Nana’s all-time favorite. Every family celebration, every Sunday afternoon tea, and every birthday in our home had one thing in common: this cake. With its tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and velvety frosting, it’s the kind of dessert that instantly wraps you in comfort and love.
Now, I’m proud to share this timeless recipe with you, so it can live on in your kitchen just like it did in ours.
🎂 The Heart of the Recipe
This cake is all about simplicity done right. No fancy ingredients—just real butter, good vanilla, and a whole lot of love. The texture is perfectly soft, yet sturdy enough to layer beautifully. The frosting? Silky, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.
🧁 Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups granulated sugar
-
4 large eggs
-
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
-
3 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Frosting:
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
4 cups powdered sugar
-
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
A pinch of salt
(Optional: sprinkle some shredded coconut or white chocolate shavings on top for a nostalgic touch—Nana always did!)
👩🍳 How to Make Nana’s Favorite Cake
