Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake

Name: Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

Enjoy the delightful taste of Costco's famous vanilla cake right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:38:20.097Z

This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake brings the beloved flavors of the original into your kitchen. With its fluffy texture and delicious frosting, it's perfect for birthdays or any celebration!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Rich vanilla flavor that everyone adores
Perfectly sweetened, making it ideal for any occasion

      

A Slice of Heaven

Costco's vanilla cake has won the hearts of many with its soft and fluffy texture. This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake recipe allows you to replicate that delightful experience right in your own kitchen. The lightness of the cake makes it an ideal dessert for any gathering, whether it's a birthday party or a simple family dinner. With every bite, you'll be reminded of the joy that a good cake brings.

The secret to achieving that perfect fluffiness lies in the creaming of the butter and sugar. This step incorporates air into the batter, ensuring that your cake rises beautifully in the oven. By following this recipe closely, you can guarantee a cake that not only looks stunning but tastes heavenly, mirroring the beloved Costco original.

Frosting That Stands Out

One of the highlights of this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is the rich frosting that complements the vanilla flavors perfectly. The combination of creamy butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream creates a velvety texture that spreads easily and holds its shape well. This frosting is not overly sweet, allowing the flavors of the cake to shine through without overpowering them.

Feel free to experiment with the frosting by adding different flavor extracts or colors to match your occasion. Whether you're decorating for a festive celebration or a casual get-together, this frosting is versatile and can elevate your cake to a whole new level. Your guests will be amazed at how closely it resembles the iconic Costco treat!

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any celebration. It's not just a dessert; it's a centerpiece that can bring smiles to faces young and old. From weddings to picnics, this cake can adapt to any event with a few simple decorations or flavor variations. Consider adding fresh fruits, sprinkles, or edible flowers for a touch of whimsy.

Moreover, the recipe is straightforward enough for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, you'll find that the steps are easy to follow, and the results are consistently delicious. So gather your ingredients and start baking; this cake is bound to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to beat until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.

For best results, let the cake sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps to create a better emulsion when mixing, leading to a lighter cake. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients; this can result in a denser cake.

Another helpful tip is to use a toothpick to test for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. Letting your cakes cool completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, proper storage is key. Store your unfrosted cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you've already frosted the cake, keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost as desired!

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can also elevate the flavors and presentation, making it even more appealing to guests.

For a more sophisticated touch, you can layer the cake with fruit preserves or flavored whipped cream between the layers. Not only does this add an exciting flavor twist, but it also enhances the visual appeal, turning your homemade cake into a stunning masterpiece that everyone will want to try.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, using cake flour will give you a lighter and fluffier cake.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream in the frosting?

You can substitute with milk, but the frosting may be less rich and creamy.