Vanilla Walnut Lace Cake with Creamy Butter Frosting

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Vanilla Walnut Lace Cake with Creamy Butter Frosting

Vanilla Walnut Lace Cake is an elegant, tender layer cake enriched with finely chopped walnuts and wrapped in smooth, creamy butter frosting. With its soft vanilla crumb, nutty depth, and delicate scroll piping, this cake delivers both beauty and classic flavor. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something timeless and refined.

Yield

10–12 slices

Temperature

350°F (175°C)

Time

25–30 minutes per layer + 35 minutes assembly

Ingredients

Key Ingredients First

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Creamy Butter Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Decoration

  • Extra frosting for piping
  • Finely chopped walnuts for the edges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two or three 8-inch cake pans.
Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light, pale, and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Add vanilla extract.
Fold in the finely chopped walnuts.

5. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool layers completely before assembling.

6. Make the Creamy Butter Frosting

Beat softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Add vanilla, salt, and enough cream to create a fluffy, spreadable frosting.
Beat until light and smooth.

7. Assemble the Cake

Place the first layer on a board.
Spread a generous amount of frosting.
Add the second (and third) layer.
Coat the entire cake with a smooth outer layer of frosting.

8. Decorate

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round or open-star tip to create lace-like scrolls around the cake.
Press chopped walnuts around the bottom edge if desired.

Tips

  • Ensure the butter is fully softened for the fluffiest cake crumb and smooth frosting.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly for deeper flavor.
  • Chill the cake layers before frosting for cleaner assembly.
  • Add a touch of almond extract for a subtle nutty aroma.
  • Pipe scrolls on a chilled cake to maintain clean definition.

Conclusion

Vanilla Walnut Lace Cake with Creamy Butter Frosting brings together a soft, flavorful vanilla-walnut crumb with elegant piping and a rich buttercream finish. The combination of warm vanilla, delicate nuttiness, and classic decoration makes it a stunning centerpiece for any special event.

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