Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs (150 g)
  • 1 cup (240 mL) whole milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp (5 g) pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (optional for added sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2-3 tbsp (30-45 mL) heavy cream (or milk for frosting)
  • 1 tsp (5 g) pure vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease or line the baking pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix and granulated sugar (if using).
  4. Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  5. Use an electric mixer to beat the batter on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
  10. Frost the cooled cake with the prepared frosting using a spatula.