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Costco Vanilla Cake

A light and fluffy vanilla cake reminiscent of the classic Costco treat, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Birthday, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour King Arthur Flour is recommended for consistency.
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar Use fine granulated sugar for better texture.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for easier creaming.
  • 1 cup milk Whole milk adds richness while 2% can be used for a lighter version.
  • 3 pieces eggs Use room temperature eggs for better integration.
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract A high-quality vanilla like Nielsen-Massey makes a difference.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Sift for a smoother frosting.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use the same brand as above for consistency.
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk Adjust based on desired frosting consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round 9-inch cake pans and dust them with flour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Assembly
  1. Frost the cooled cake layers and stack them together. Decorate the top as desired.

Notes

Use the best quality butter and vanilla extract. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.