Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake

Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes

Enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake, a deliciously moist and fluffy cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:43:20.092Z

This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is inspired by the beloved cake available at Costco stores. With its light and fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich vanilla flavor that brings back memories of childhood
  • Perfectly moist and fluffy texture in every bite
  • Ideal for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Classic Dessert Reimagined

This Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake brings the beloved flavors of a classic dessert into your own kitchen. With its rich vanilla taste and fluffy texture, this cake captures the essence of the iconic Costco cake that many of us grew up enjoying. Whether it's for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat on a weekend, this cake is sure to impress. You can easily customize it with your favorite fillings and toppings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Baking this cake at home not only evokes fond memories but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier dessert. The combination of all-purpose flour, eggs, and creamy butter creates a batter that is both light and satisfying. The process of baking can be a joyous experience, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas that will have your family eagerly awaiting the final result.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the best aspects of this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is its versatility. It can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any celebration. For weddings, consider adding fresh flowers and a layer of elegant fondant to create a stunning centerpiece. For casual get-togethers, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of chocolate ganache can elevate the cake without overshadowing its delightful vanilla flavor.

This cake is also an ideal canvas for seasonal flavors. During the summer, fresh berries can add a burst of color and flavor, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm things up in the fall. No matter how you choose to decorate or serve it, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser that satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results with your Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, as too much can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing helps create a smooth batter that traps air, contributing to the cake's fluffiness.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once you've combined the dry and wet ingredients. Mixing just until incorporated ensures a light texture, preventing the cake from becoming tough. Lastly, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting and losing its shape. With these tips, you’ll create a cake that rivals the original!

Ingredients

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Frosting

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

Make sure to gather all ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Frost the Cakes

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the nostalgia of this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake!

Make sure to slice evenly for beautiful pieces!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake is baked and frosted, you may wonder about the best way to store it. To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for about a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.

When serving, consider pairing slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, can also complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many home bakers wonder if they can substitute ingredients in this recipe. While it's best to stick to the original ingredients for optimal flavor and texture, you can use dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan version. Just be mindful that the overall taste and texture may vary slightly, but it can still be delicious!

Another common question is about freezing the cake. Yes, you can freeze both the unfrosted cake layers and the frosted cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. For best results, consume within three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute with gluten-free flour, but results may vary.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

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

You can use milk or a non-dairy alternative, but the frosting may be less rich.

Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake

Enjoy a slice of nostalgia with this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake, a deliciously moist and fluffy cake that's perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: Hearty Food Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Cake

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  3. 1/2 tsp salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 2 cups granulated sugar
  6. 4 large eggs
  7. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup whole milk

Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  5. Pinch of salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 03

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 04

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 05

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 06

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Step 07

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 08

Slice the cake and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the nostalgia of this Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g