Description
This old-fashioned layer cake tastes just like something Grandma used to make — buttery, tender, and rich with vanilla cream frosting. Each bite melts in your mouth, balanced by the crunch of toasted pecans on top. Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday desserts, or any time you crave a classic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the butter for the frosting until light and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Pour in cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and spreadable.
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate.
- Spread frosting evenly across the top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans generously over the top and press gently so they adhere.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg