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  5. Our Best Vanilla Cakes and Cupcakes

Our Best Vanilla Cakes and Cupcakes

Headshot of Food Editor, Sheena Chihak, RD
By Sheena Chihak, RD June 09, 2015
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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
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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

Simple White Cupcakes
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries & Jam
Credit: Scott Little
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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

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

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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By Sheena Chihak, RD

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    1 of 15 Classic Vanilla Cake
    2 of 15 Simple White Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
    3 of 15 Cherry-Almond Vanilla Cupcakes
    4 of 15 Vanilla Sparkling Wine Pound Cake
    5 of 15 Vanilla Ruffle Cake
    6 of 15 Buttercakes with Sour Cream Frosting
    7 of 15 Raspberry and Vanilla Stack Cake
    8 of 15 Black-and-White Irish Cream Cupcakes
    9 of 15 Sprinkle-Me-Happy Cake
    10 of 15 Plain Jane Lets Loose Cupcakes
    11 of 15 Cranberry-Vanilla Bean Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
    12 of 15 Rum Vanilla Bean Bundt Cake
    13 of 15 Vanilla Cake with Buttercream, Berries, and Jam
    14 of 15 Italian Cream Cake
    15 of 15 Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

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