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Perfect Rose Vanilla Layer Cake Recipe with Easy Silky Buttercream Frosting

rose vanilla layer cake - featured image

A tender and elegant rose vanilla layer cake paired with a smooth, silky buttercream frosting featuring a subtle floral hint of rose water. Perfect for special occasions and easy enough for busy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp rose water (optional)
  • For the Silky Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp rose water (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract and rose water until combined.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans (about 3 cups each). Smooth tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For the buttercream, beat softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low.
  10. Add milk or cream, vanilla extract, rose water, and salt. Beat on high for 3-5 minutes until light and silky.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Place second layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake. Chill for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Finish frosting with remaining buttercream in smooth or decorative swirls.
  14. Optional: Garnish with edible rose petals or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for best creaming results. Spoon flour into measuring cups to avoid packing. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking temperature. Chill cake layers before frosting to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, refrigerate briefly and re-whip; if too stiff, add a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: rose cake, vanilla cake, layer cake, buttercream frosting, floral cake, easy cake recipe, special occasion cake