Vanilla Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting

This classic, buttery vanilla cake is so easy to make and something you can have in your hip pocket (the recipe, not the actual cake, lol) to pull out for a special dessert at any given occasion.

Pair it with an iconic chocolately, creamy frosting that is equally simple to make and you have a winner.  Literally!  I won a ribbon with this cake so stay tuned.

We have a group of friends over nearly every Monday night for dinner, and one of our neighbors asked if I could make this classic cake as he had memories of his grandmother making this for him.

Simple Ingredients for both the cake and the chocolate frosting.

Sometimes the simplest things are the best!

THE BATTER IS SO SIMPLE. YOU'LL NEVER WANT TO GO BACK TO A BOX MIX.

While it had been years since I had made this cake, I did recall how moist and delicious it was and also that it was super simple to make so am happy to share the recipe with you.  If you've never made a cake from scratch before, this is a great place to start and one you'll have on repeat.  You can use a different frosting, or perhaps add some sprinkles to make a celebratory birth cake.  It's vanilla base ensures you can take it in different directions if you feel creative.

READY TO BAKE

The batter mixes together in one bowl and I love to use my Kitchenaid stand mixer to make quick (and hands free) work of this.

While I use a 9 x 13 inch pan to make a sheet cake, you can also make this into cupcakes or use 2 round tins.  You simply need to adjust the baking time accordingly and then you might want to double the icing recipe as well.

LOOK AT THIS LUSCIOUS CHOCOLATE FROSTING □

I did mention winning a ribbon with this cake.  Well, I was a youngster (probably 7 or 8 years old) and made this for a 4-H fair back in the day, garnering me a ribbon.  I think it was blue, but I'd have to fact check with my Mom.   Award winning indeed!

Serve this up at your next gathering, or perhaps bake this as a special back to school party cake,  Everyone will love it!

I love to use my KitchenAid stand mixer for the batter.  It does the mixing for you.

If you're not wanting the cost of a stand mixer, then consider an electric hand mixer like this one from Hamilton Beach.

Having a standard 9 x 13 inch baking pan is an essential part of your kitchen arsenal.

An offset spatula helps spread frosting around perfectly.

Vanilla Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting
(makes a 9 x 13 inch cake)

2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup cane sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, at room temperature
1 cup milk (I used coconut milk)
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla (I use vanilla paste)
3 eggs, slightly beaten


Heat oven to 350 degrees.


Spray at9 x 13 pan with cooking spray.


Beat all ingredients on low speed (using a stand mixer makes for easy work) scraping down constantly for 30 seconds.
Beat on high, scraping down the bowl occasionally for 3 minutes. Pour into prepared baking pan.


Bake until a wooden pic or knife inserted in the center comes out clean, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely before topping with the chocolate frosting.




Chocolate Frosting

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, at room temperature
4 ounces dark chocolate (melted in a microwave safe container then cooled slightly)
2 1/2 cupspowdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
About 2 tablespoons milk (I used coconut milk)


Mix butter and chocolate until well combined using an electric hand mixer. Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
Beat in vanilla and milk until smooth and of spreading consistency.


Using an offset spatula (or butter knife) spread the frosting over your 9 x 13 cooled cake and if desired dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.