Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the perfect vanilla cake recipe, look no further! Today, we’re diving into Ina Garten’s vanilla cake recipe, a delightful homemade dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. This cake is incredibly simple to make yet impressively delicious, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner, or just craving a sweet treat, this cake delivers every time.

Ina Garten’s approach focuses on precision, quality ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps. From perfectly creamed butter to light, fluffy layers, this recipe ensures your cake will bake evenly and taste amazing. No more dry or uneven cakes this method guarantees a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels. With just a little attention to detail, you’ll create a bakery-worthy vanilla cake at home. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to make the ultimate Ina Garten vanilla cake that’s both stunning and scrumptious.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Vanilla Cake?

Ina Garten’s vanilla cake is a classic dessert that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. It’s a moist, fluffy cake with a soft crumb that’s perfect for layering with your favorite frosting. The subtle sweetness and rich vanilla aroma make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The flavor of this cake is buttery and comforting, enhanced by the gentle tang of buttermilk. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a light, airy feel without being overly sweet. This makes it ideal for pairing with a variety of frostings, fruits, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Beyond the flavor, this cake is also versatile in appearance. You can bake it in two 8-inch pans, three 6-inch pans, or even a single sheet pan. Frost it, decorate it, or serve it plain the result is always elegant, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Vanilla Cake 

• 2 ½ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ⅔ cups (333 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Two 8-inch cake pans or three 6-inch cake pans
2. Parchment paper
3. Stand mixer
4. Mixing bowls
5. Whisk
6. Spatula
7. Offset spatula (for frosting)
8. Cake turntable (optional)
9. Measuring cups and scale

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 20–25 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes per cake layer
Cooling time: 30 minutes

Copycat Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Ina Garten Vanilla Cake in a delicious way.

1. Prep the Pans & Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch pans (or three 6-inch pans) and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp salt, and 2 1¼ tsp baking powder. Whisk to combine and set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat ¾ cup (170 g) room temperature unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 ⅔ cups (333 g) granulated sugar and mix on high for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack 3 room-temperature eggs into the mixer, adding one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk in batches, mixing on low. Finish folding with a spatula by hand to ensure a smooth, homogenous batter without overmixing.

6. Bake & Frost: Divide batter evenly between pans (~600 g each). Tap pans to remove air bubbles. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting with your favorite vanilla buttercream. Smooth the top and sides with an offset spatula, and decorate as desired.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Vanilla Cake

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Ina Garten Vanilla Cake deliciously

1. Classic Buttercream Layers
We always start with her vanilla buttercream it’s soft, creamy, and makes each bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays!

2. Fresh Berries on Top
Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness and a pop of color. We love how the tartness balances the sweetness.

3. Drizzle with Chocolate Ganache
A rich chocolate drizzle transforms this cake into a fancy dessert. We sometimes warm it slightly before pouring for that glossy effect.

4. Dust of Powdered Sugar
When we’re short on time, a simple dusting of powdered sugar makes it elegant yet effortless. Less is more sometimes!

5. Serve with Ice Cream
Vanilla or caramel ice cream alongside a slice? Total indulgence. We often do this for a summer treat.

6. Layer with Lemon Curd
Adding tart lemon curd between layers brings a tangy surprise. We love the contrast of flavors it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

7. Coffee or Tea Pairing
A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea takes this cake to the next level. We’ve found it perfect for weekend brunches.

8. Whipped Cream & Fresh Fruit
Lightly sweetened whipped cream with peaches or berries makes it airy and refreshing. One of our favorite afternoon snacks.

9. Sprinkle of Nuts
Toasted almonds or pecans on top add a nice crunch. We sometimes mix them into the frosting for extra texture.

10. Mini Cake Versions
We’ve made cupcakes with this batter they bake faster, and everyone loves their own personal cake. Perfect for parties!

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe

I made Ina Garten’s vanilla cake last weekend, and oh my gosh it was amazing! The cake was soft, fluffy, and smelled like heaven while baking. I loved how easy the steps were, and even though I’m not a pro baker, it turned out perfect. Frosting it was so fun, and everyone in my family gobbled it up in no time. I’ll definitely make this cake again and again!

1. Use room temperature butter and eggs it makes the cake super smooth.
2. Always measure flour with a scale if you can, it really helps.
3. Don’t overmix the batter; fold gently at the end.
4. Line your pans with parchment paper to avoid broken cakes.
5. Tap the pans to remove air bubbles before baking.
6. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
7. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting for a pretty finish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Vanilla Cake  Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore softness.

FAQs on this Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What kind of butter should I use?

We always use unsalted, room-temperature butter. It creams up nicely and makes the cake super soft and fluffy.

2. How do I know when the cake is ready?

A toothpick or skewer should come out clean from the center. We usually check around 30 minutes it works every time.

3. Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! We’ve used two 8-inch pans or three 6-inch pans. Just divide the batter evenly and adjust baking time slightly.

4. Should I sift the dry ingredients?

Absolutely. Sifting keeps the cake light and avoids clumps. We always whisk after sifting too.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! We often bake it a day ahead. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature or in the fridge for a few days.

6. How do I avoid cracks on top?

Room-temperature ingredients help, and don’t overmix. We also use parchment paper in the pans total lifesaver!

7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, we’ve done that too. Just mix a little longer to get the butter fluffy and smooth.

8. What’s the best frosting for this cake?

Vanilla buttercream is perfect. We love how creamy it is and easy to smooth.

9. Can I freeze this cake?

Definitely! We wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

10. How do I make the layers even?

We use a kitchen scale or eyeball 600 grams of batter per pan. Tapping the pans gently also helps.

This Ina Garten vanilla cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic, homemade desserts. With tender layers, a rich vanilla flavor, and simple steps, it’s guaranteed to impress every time. Try it today, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear in no time! Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us how your cake turned out.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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