Are you looking for a delectable dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Ina Garten’s vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. This classic recipe, featuring its rich and creamy frosting, is a showstopper that has become a favorite among bakers and cake lovers alike.

Ina Garten, also known as the ” Barefoot Contessa,” is a renowned American chef, food writer, and television personality. Her recipes are known for their simplicity and elegance, and her vanilla cake with buttercream frosting is no exception. This recipe has been a staple in her repertoire for years, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of a moist, tender cake and a smooth, velvety frosting creates a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious.

The key to this recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients. Ina Garten emphasizes the importance of using fresh, high-quality vanilla beans or vanilla extract, as well as the best butter and sugar you can find. These ingredients will ensure that your cake turns out as rich and flavorful as possible.

To start, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can begin the baking process. Ina Garten’s recipe calls for creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then adding the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Next, mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the buttercream frosting. Ina Garten’s recipe involves creaming together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The frosting can be tinted with food coloring or left as is, depending on your preference.

Once the cakes are cooled, spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting on the first layer and top with the second layer. Use the remaining frosting to frost the sides of the cake, creating a smooth and even surface. You can also add a sprinkle of sugar or a few fresh berries to garnish the top.

Ina Garten’s vanilla cake with buttercream frosting is a timeless dessert that is sure to delight anyone who tries it. With its simple yet elegant ingredients and foolproof recipe, this cake is a must-try for any baker looking to impress. So, go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the sweet taste of success!