Print

Decadent Three-Tier Vanilla Celebration Cake

three-tier vanilla celebration cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A moist and tender three-tier vanilla cake with rich but balanced vanilla flavor, perfect for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions. Easy to make with basic ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 6 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Optional decorations: fresh flowers, edible gold leaf, sprinkles, pearl sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three cake pans (6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch) or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a mixer bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
  5. On low speed, add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with warmed milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until blended.
  6. Divide batter evenly among the three pans (about 4 cups per pan). Smooth tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake layers: 25-30 minutes for 6-inch, 30-35 minutes for 8-inch, and 35-40 minutes for 10-inch. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy (~3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed.
  10. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust cream or sugar for desired consistency.
  11. Level cake layers by trimming domed tops with a serrated knife or cake leveler.
  12. Place largest cake layer on cake board or plate. Spread thick layer of buttercream on top, then add next size layer. Repeat with smallest layer on top.
  13. Apply a thin crumb coat over entire stacked cake to seal crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes.
  14. Apply a thicker, smooth final coat of buttercream using an offset spatula and bench scraper.
  15. Decorate as desired with fresh flowers, piped borders, sprinkles, or pearl sugar.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing. Sift flour and powdered sugar for smooth texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Use a crumb coat to seal crumbs before final frosting. Chill frosting if too soft. Use a turntable for easier frosting application. Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla cake, three-tier cake, celebration cake, birthday cake, homemade cake, buttercream frosting, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/decadent-three-tier-vanilla-celebration-cake-easy-homemade-recipe-for-special-occasions/