If you love cake, then this is the recipe for you. A vanilla cake with chocolate frosting sounds like the perfect match because it’s amazingly delicious!
Even if your birthday isn’t until next week, why not bake this today and try a new treat? The best part about these two flavours is that they don’t overpower each other.
You can enjoy both vanilla and chocolate without getting a sugar crash! You can also make this recipe with the chocolate cake if you prefer chocolate over vanilla.

How To Prepare Vanilla Cake Recipe With Chocolate Frosting?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: 9
Ingredients
For the vanilla cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions Step By Step:
For the vanilla cake:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the chocolate frosting:
Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk. Beat on low speed until well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting, creating a smooth and even layer.
- If desired, you can decorate the cake with additional toppings like chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.
- Slice and enjoy this classic Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Frosting!
- This cake is a perfect combination of moist vanilla cake and rich chocolate frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 498
- Protein: 8.4g
- Carbohydrates: 67.1g
- Fibres: 2.7g
- Sugar: 58.3g
- Cholesterol: 47.2mg
- Sodium: 155.1mg
- Potassium: 134mg
- Total Fat: 22.18g
How To Make The Best Chocolate Frosting?
To make the best chocolate frosting, use a bowl to combine unsalted butter and cocoa powder in an electric mixer.
Cream the mixture together for 5 minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Add confectioner’s sugar and mix until combined. Add chocolate chips and mix again. Don’t forget to refrigerate your frosting until chilled before using it.
Use whatever frosting recipe you prefer, such as my chocolate buttercream or classic vanilla buttercream.
If you prefer a different type of frosting, make the recipe as indicated in the step above.
Expert Baking Tips For Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Frosting:
1. Use cake mix: This simple recipe is best made with a boxed cake mix. If you have time, you can always make your cake from scratch by using your favourite recipe.
2. Use whole milk: Whole milk helps make the cake’s texture moister. Don’t use skim milk if you prefer a moister cake!
3. Separate your eggs: Separating egg yolks and whites are always best when baking because it helps them come out lighter, fluffier and more beautiful.
4. Beat the mixture: Beating your eggs, butter and sugar mixture helps make the cake more fluffy and adds in air.
5. Mix well: Don’t skip this step. Mixing your egg and sugar mixture well will ensure that your cake bakes evenly and comes out beautifully.
6. Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients are best because they come together easier and give off more air during the mixing stage. This process is called aerating.
7. Bake at the right temperature: Always check your oven’s temperature. If it’s too hot, the outside of your cake may burn before the inside is ready. If it’s too cold, your cake will bake more slowly, so check on it often!
8. Serve with a dollop of frosting: This is optional but highly recommended. You can never have enough frosting 😉
Final Thought
Making a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is easy, fun and a great way to kick off any meal or celebration.
Be sure to store your frosted cake in the fridge until you are ready to serve. You’ll love this recipe because it is so simple!
I hope you try this recipe as soon as possible. If you do, please comment below with your feedback and rating so that I know how I am doing. Enjoy! Making a vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is simple and fun.