- Cakes
If you love vanilla flavor, these are the desserts for you!
By
Sheena Chihak, RD
Sheena Chihak, RD
Sheena Chihak is a registered dietitian, former food editor and current edit lead for BHG with over 17 years of writing and editing experience for both print and digital.
Learn about BHG's Editorial Process
and
Sarah Martens
Sarah Martens
Sarah Martens is the Senior Editor overseeing food at Better Homes & Gardens digital. She has been with the BHG brand for more than 10 years.
Learn about BHG's Editorial Process
Updated on January 19, 2024
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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. Make the frosting with a combination of butter and cream cheese.
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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.
9 Healthy Cherry Recipes to Add Sweet-Tart Flavor to Your Meals
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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 our step-by-step video for tips and tricks on how to decorate!
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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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Japanese Christmas Cake
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While this dessert is commonly made during the month of December, it's delicious vanilla cake recipe to try any time. Layers of tender sponge cake, vanilla cream, and strawberries make this a total showstopper. To complement the vanilla flavor, the baked cake layers are brushed with an orange liqueur mixture.
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Million Dollar Pound Cake
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Our readers have called this cake "yummy" and "a go-to recipe." We love the moist cake topped with whipped cream and berries. For even more vanilla flavor, soak your berries in a little vanilla bean paste and sugar before topping the pound cake.
Our Best Million Dollar Recipes Are Rich and Decadent
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French Yogurt Cake with Apricot-Cherry Compote
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Here, vanilla yogurt is the secret to adding flavor and moisture to this simple cake. If you can't find French-style yogurt in the grocery store, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. Once baked and cooled, top the finished cake with a homemade apricot-cherry compote and more vanilla yogurt.
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Vanilla Bean Cake with Pecan Praline Glaze
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Two full vanilla beans in the batter ensure this cake recipe is full of flavor. It's great on its own but a drizzle of pecan praline glaze takes it over the top. We recommend letting the praline set before slicing and serving.
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Malted Vanilla Cake
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Rather than vanilla extract, our Test Kitchen recommends using vanilla bean paste in this layer cake recipe. Make the homemade malted vanilla frosting with more vanilla, butter, evaporated milk, and malted milk powder.
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