3 Layer Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

Ah, the heavenly aroma of a freshly baked vanilla sponge cake wafting through my kitchen! I remember when I started baking. The 3-layer vanilla sponge cake recipe has always been a favorite of mine, and I’ve perfected my skills over the years. 

I’m so excited to take you on this baking adventure today. Trust me, you’ll be able to make vanilla sponge cake after trying this 3 layer vanilla sponge cake recipe ,like a pro!

A Brief Intro to the Vanilla Sponge

Vanilla sponge cake is basically a lightweight cake that is enriched with real vanilla flavour. This 3-layered vanilla cake is topped with buttercream frosting. There are many more frosting options that you can use to differentiate its taste. I have more variations of vanilla cake, including vanilla cake, funfetti cake, microwave vanilla cake, strawberry & vanilla marble cake, which you can try too by changing its frostings.

The Secret to a Flawless Sponge

If you follow some essential points then you can get easily flawless sponge.

Choice of Ingredients: Always opt for premium-quality vanilla extract. It might be expensive, but the difference in flavour is monumental. I swear by organic Madagascar vanilla.

The Flour Factor: Sift, sift, and sift again! It ensures that your cake is airy and light. No one fancies a dense sponge, after all.

Temperature is Key: Remember to preheat your oven and ensure your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Vanilla Cake: Not Just a Sweet Treat

While the primary purpose of indulging in a vanilla sponge cake is sheer joy, there are some associated health benefits:

Eggs in the cake are a great source of high-quality protein and vital vitamins.

Butter: Consuming butter in moderation has been associated with certain heart health benefits.

Vanilla: not only adds flavour but also has antioxidants that help repair your body at the cellular level.

However, as with all desserts, moderation is key. You can pamper yourself and your taste buds by enjoying a slice now and then.

Let’s Start Our Recipe

Ingredients:

eggs, room temperature – 4 large size

vanilla extract – 1 tbsp

All-purpose flour – 3 cups

baking powder – 3 tbsp

salt – half tsp

unsalted butter, room temperature – half cup

vegetable oil – half cup

sugar – 2 cups

milk, room temperature -1 ½ cup

Vanilla Buttercream frosting ingredients:

unsalted butter, room temperature – 3 cups

powdered sugar – 11 cups

vanilla extract – 1 ½ 

heavy cream – 10 tbsp

Pinch of salt

Some fondant or artificial flowers for decoration

Procedure: 

Step 1:

Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius).

Step 2:

Set aside the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3:

Beat together the butter, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract in the large bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. 

Step 4:

Mix the eggs one at a time until mostly combined after each addition. To ensure all ingredients are well combined, scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Step 5:

Mix in half the dry ingredients to the batter. Then add the other half and mix it.

Pour the milk slowly into the mixing bowl and mix until well combined. There will be curds in the batter, but don’t worry about them.

Step 6:

Mix well until smooth after adding the remaining dry ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are combined well by scraping down the sides of the bowl. The batter should not be overmixed.

Step 7:

Using three cake pans, divide the batter evenly and bake for 30 minutes. Then, check it by placing a toothpick in the cake centre. If it comes out with little material, then bake it for more for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 8:

Take out the cakes from oven. Place the cakes on cooling rack and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. 

This is the most simple 3 layer vanilla sponge cake recipe that i have shared with you. In addition, if you frost it with any kind of frosting, this cake will be great in taste.

Frosting Preparation:

Take butter in a bowl of stand mixer and start beating it on medium speed until the butter gets smooth.

Then gradually add half of the powdered sugar and start beating again until it gets smooth.

Now add the vanilla extract, 4-5 tablespoons of heavy cream, and salt.  Start beating it again on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes or until it gets smooth.

The again add the remaining powdered sugar gradually and mix until it gets smooth. Then add additional heavy cream, as needed, to achieve the right consistency of frosting.

Assembling of Vanilla Cake Layers :

1) To assemble the cake, take a large serrated knife and remove a thin layer from top cake. Ensure that they’re completely flat.

2) You can use a cardboard cake round or a serving plate to place the first cake on.

3) Frost the cake evenly with about 1 cup frosting.

4) Place the second layer on it and Spread another cup of frosting on the second layer of cake.

5) Then place third layer on it and frost its top and sides with the remaining frosting. Then scrape the top and sides of cake cream with a leveler to get a smooth finish. 

6) Then take whilton 1 M nozzle and round the top edge of the cake with swirls of frosting.

7) Then place artificial flowers in its center. If you can make fondant flowers then make them and place these in the center of the cake.

Pro Baking Tips for the Ultimate 3 Layer Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

Creaming Perfection: Cream the butter and sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. It introduces air and ensures a soft crumb.

Fold, Don’t Mix: When adding your flour, gently fold it in to preserve the airiness.

Use Even Baking Strips: These magic tools ensure your layers bake evenly, eliminating the dreaded dome.

Cooling Matters: Let your layers cool completely before frosting. Patience, dear baker other wise your cake will be drastically ruined!

Frosting Tip: Always opt for a crumb coat first. This thin layer of frosting traps any crumbs, ensuring your final coat is pristine and crumb-free.

FAQs About 3-Layer Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour? 

Yes you can use cake flour because it has low protein content thats why it gives a more soft texture.

Why is my sponge cake dense? 

Overmixing or not creaming the butter and sugar can lead to a denser cake. Remember our pro tips!

How long can I store the cake? 

If you covered the cake properly and place it in refrigerator then it will last upto 5 days. 

Can I freeze the sponge layers for later use? 

Yes you can freeze them by properly Wraping them in cling film. It will last for 1 month in freezer. 

Which frosting pairs best with 3 vanilla layer cake? 

I love classic buttercream, but whipped cream or cream cheese frosting are delightful choices as well.