Our Best Vanilla Cakes and 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Raspberry and Vanilla Stack Cake

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Tart raspberries and sweet vanilla bean paste offer delightful contrasting tastes for your dessert tray. We combine the two favorites in this jelly-filled stack cake, perfect for potlucks and summer parties.

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Black-and-White Irish Cream Cupcakes

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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

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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

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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

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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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Rum Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake

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Our vanilla bean Bundt cake -- laced with rum and dusted with powdered sugar -- makes a light and cozy dessert for any occasion. Plus, it's less than 300 calories per serving!

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Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries, and Jam

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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

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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

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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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