There’s something about a vanilla layer cake with chocolate drizzle that takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen—flour in the air, chocolate smudges on noses, and the smell of sweet vanilla wafting through the house. Whether it’s for a birthday bash or just because it’s Tuesday (yes, you need no excuse), this cake is your golden ticket to dessert bliss.

It’s simple but show-stopping, soft yet sturdy, and the glossy chocolate drizzle? Oh honey, that’s the crown jewel. I promise, even your picky Aunt Linda will ask for seconds—and the recipe. If you’ve never baked a cake from scratch, don’t sweat it. This one’s beginner-friendly, family-approved, and pure joy from the first bite to the last crumb.

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some memories—layer by delicious layer.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle

Classic flavor combo that never goes out of style.
Perfectly moist texture with a buttery crumb.
Elegant look with minimal decorating skills needed.

Kid and adult approved—a win at every table.
Versatile base for adding fruits, nuts, or a surprise filling.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

1 tsp butter

Instructions

Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Dry Mix
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate Mixing
Add flour mixture and milk alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour.

Bake
Divide the batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
Cool
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Make the Drizzle
Heat cream to simmer, pour over chocolate chips, wait 2 minutes, then add butter and stir until smooth.

Assemble and Drizzle
Stack cooled cake layers with frosting or whipped cream. Drizzle chocolate over the top and let it drip seductively down the sides.

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Vanilla Layer Cake

Don’t overmix the batter—just until combined is your sweet spot.
Room temperature ingredients make everything smoother.

Let the cakes cool completely before frosting or drizzling to avoid a chocolate slip-n-slide.

Bake It With the Littles

Let them stir the dry ingredients or crack the eggs (with supervision!).
Give them a spoon for “quality control testing” of the chocolate ganache.

Turn leftover batter into cupcakes for a mini bake-along moment.

Meal-Prep Magic

Bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
The chocolate drizzle can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just reheat gently.

Fully assembled, the cake stays moist for up to 3 days in the fridge (just bring to room temp before serving).

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Sub half the flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
Use Greek yogurt for half the butter.

Opt for dark chocolate chips and swap in coconut milk for the drizzle for a dairy-light version.

Leftover Remix

Cake Pops: Crumble leftover cake, mix with frosting, roll, and dip.
Trifle Time: Layer chunks with whipped cream and berries in a glass for a next-day dessert.

Ice Cream Mix-In: Toss chopped cake bits into vanilla ice cream for a bakery-style scoop.

Gift It Like a Pro

Wrap slices in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic, sweet gift.
Deliver a whole cake in a decorative cake box with a handwritten note.

Pair with a bottle of bubbly or a cute mug for a next-level present.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let sit at room temp before enjoying.

Can I freeze the cake layers?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Final Thought

There’s just something magical about a vanilla layer cake with chocolate drizzle. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and fancy enough for a celebration—but simple enough for a slow Sunday. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself (as you should), this recipe is your go-to. So bake it, drizzle it, share it—or sneak a slice alone in your pantry. I won’t tell.