Our 13 Best Vanilla Cake and Cupcake Recipes

Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

Vanilla cakes and cupcakes, including simple plain white cakes and cupcakes, as well as more upscale versions such as a cozy rum-infused variation, make irresistible desserts everyone will love. Plus, we fill you in on darling ways to dress up these classic treats!

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Classic Vanilla Cake

Classic Vanilla Cake

Forget glitzy sprinkles and elaborate icings. Simplicity is best when it comes to classic vanilla cake. Cover the nostalgic dessert in swirls of pure white frosting made with a special ingredient: sour cream.

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Simple White Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting

Simple White Cupcakes

Simply classic, these tender vanilla cupcakes are ready to be dressed up with a swirl of creamy frosting and your favorite toppers.

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Cherry-Almond Vanilla Cupcakes

Cherry-Almond Vanilla Cupcakes

The mellow flavor of vanilla partners with rich almond extract and tart cherry juice in these dreamy pink desserts. Hide a maraschino cherry in the center of each cupcake for a sweet surprise.

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Vanilla Sparkling Wine Pound Cake

Vanilla-Sparkling Wine Pound Cake

Make tea time sweeter with a slice of this luscious vanilla pound cake. We add a splash of sparkling wine to its special homemade glaze to give the cake some crisp flavor.

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Vanilla Ruffle Cake

Vanilla Ruffle Cake

When it comes to pretty vanilla cakes, ruffles never go out of style. Use a frosting-filled pastry bag to pipe adorable pink ruffles onto this plain Jane cake. Watch here for tips and tricks on how to decorate!

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Buttercakes with Sour Cream Frosting

Buttercakes with Sour Cream Frosting

Sour cream frosting makes a luscious topper for cupcakes that get their moist texture from buttermilk. A filling of strawberry jam makes for a sweet surprise.

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Black-and-White Irish Cream Cupcakes

Black-and-White Irish Cream Cupcakes

Irish cream liqueur is stirred into the batter, while ganache frosting and white icing lend a mellow richness to these dark chocolate-vanilla combo cupcakes. Use a toothpick to make the impressive swirls.

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Sprinkle-Me-Happy Cake

Sprinkle-Me-Happy Cake

The surprise ingredient in this sprinkle-covered vanilla cake? Sweet potatoes! The earthy root veggie helps keep the cake extra moist, while bananas and pineapple add natural sweetness.

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Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes

Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes

Add a splash of chocolate liqueur to fluffy white frosting to take these vanilla cupcakes from simple to sensational. Add raspberries or blackberries for an oh-so-cute topper.

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Cranberry-Vanilla Bean Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Cranberry-Vanilla Bean Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Bright and zippy, this gorgeous vanilla bean cake features delicious fixes of fruit. Fresh orange peel is baked inside, while sugared cranberries and zesty lemon strips top it all off.

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Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries, and Jam

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries & Jam
Scott Little

For an elegant dessert, place fresh berries and swirls of buttercream frosting between stacks of soft vanilla cake. Don't forget to drizzle on strawberry jam for extra fruity flavor.

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Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake

Flaky coconut, crunchy pecans, and smooth spoonfuls of cream cheese frosting take this simple vanilla cake from bland to beautiful. The Italian-inspired cake makes a delicious addition to any party or special occasion.

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Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

Vanilla infuses these mouthwatering cupcakes with its inviting flavor and aroma. Toasted coconut adds a subtle touch of color and flavor as a garnish.

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