Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease and line a square or round baking pan (about 20–22 cm).
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl:
- Beat the eggs and sugar together until light and slightly fluffy
- Add milk, oil (or butter), and vanilla extract
- Mix until smooth and well combined
This step helps create a soft and moist texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Sifting helps avoid lumps and keeps the cake light.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix gently (do not overmix) until you get a smooth batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until:
- A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
- The top is lightly golden
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
In a bowl:
- Beat the softened butter until creamy
- Add cocoa powder and mix
- Gradually add powdered sugar
- Pour in milk and vanilla
- Add a pinch of salt
Beat until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool:
- Slice it horizontally into two layers
- Spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting in the middle
- Place the top layer back
- Cover the top with more frosting
Use a spatula to create soft swirls like in the image.
Texture and Flavor Tips
- This cake is very soft and slightly crumbly, just like in the picture
- The frosting is creamy and rich, not too sweet if balanced well
- For extra moisture, you can brush the cake layers with a little milk before frosting
Optional Variations
1. Extra Chocolate Flavor
Add chocolate chips to the batter.
2. Creamier Filling
Mix frosting with a bit of cream cheese for a richer middle layer.
3. Coffee Twist
Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the frosting for deeper flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overmixing batter → makes cake dense
- ❌ Frosting a warm cake → frosting melts
- ❌ Using cold ingredients → affects texture
Storage
- Keep at room temperature for 1–2 days (covered)
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
Final Result
You’ll get:
- A fluffy, light vanilla cake
- A smooth, chocolatey frosting
- A perfect balance between sweetness and richness
This is the kind of cake that feels homemade, comforting, and absolutely delicious.