Create the Perfect Costco Vanilla Cake for Any Celebration

If you’ve ever indulged in the light, fluffy perfection of Costco’s signature Vanilla Cake, you know the allure. This iconic dessert has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of shoppers across the country with its irresistible vanilla flavor and creamy buttercream frosting. But what if we told you that you could recreate this bakery favorite right in your own kitchen? Get ready to experience the Costco Vanilla Cake magic anytime you crave it!

Table of Contents

Essential Ingredients for Costco Vanilla Cake

To achieve the same moist, tender crumb and rich vanilla notes as the Costco original, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s dive into the details:

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/2 plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Buttercream Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream, room temperature

Assembly Ingredients

• Copycat Costco Vanilla Mousse
• Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Costco Vanilla Cake

Ready to take on the challenge of homemade Costco Vanilla Cake? Follow these easy steps to achieve bakery-worthy results:

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the egg whites and egg yolk, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined and smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Preparing the Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the irresistible Costco-style buttercream frosting:

Make the Cornstarch Mixture

In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.

Beat the Butter and Shortening

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and shortening together until creamy and combined.

Add the Sweeteners and Flavorings

Gradually add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, alternating with the cooled cornstarch mixture and milk or cream, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembling the Costco Vanilla Cake

Now that you have your moist cake layers and smooth buttercream, it’s time to bring it all together:

Layer the Cake

Spread a generous layer of buttercream on the first cake layer, then top with a layer of the Costco-inspired vanilla mousse. Place the second cake layer on top.

Frost the Cake

Use the remaining buttercream to frost the entire cake, creating a smooth, even finish.

Decorate with Sprinkles

Finish your homemade Costco Vanilla Cake by adding sprinkles or other decorations as desired.

Tips for Perfecting Your Costco Vanilla Cake

To ensure your Costco Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Carefully measure all ingredients for the best texture and rise.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
• Chill the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Costco Vanilla Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed for all kinds of occasions, from birthdays to potlucks. Serve it as-is, or try these tasty ideas:

• Top individual slices with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Experiment with different flavors by swapping in lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla.
• Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the ingredients in Costco Vanilla Cake?

The key ingredients in Costco Vanilla Cake include cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, egg whites, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. The buttercream frosting is made with water, cornstarch, unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.

How many servings does a Costco Vanilla Cake typically provide?

A standard Costco Vanilla Cake is typically a two-layer cake that can serve 12-16 people, depending on the size of the slices.

How should I store Costco Vanilla Cake to keep it fresh?

For best results, store the frosted Costco Vanilla Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the optimal texture and flavor.

Can I customize or decorate the Costco Vanilla Cake?

Absolutely! The beauty of making this cake at home is that you can customize it to your liking. Try adding fresh fruit, different extracts, or unique toppings and decorations to make it your own signature creation.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
• Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread

Get ready to wow your friends and family with this homemade Costco Vanilla Cake that rivals the original. With its moist, fluffy crumb and creamy buttercream frosting, this dessert is sure to become a new household favorite.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Print