Dreaming of a bakery-style cake that brings celebration to any day? Cake Costco Copy Cat is a fluffy Costco-Style Vanilla Cake with tender vanilla layers, luscious whipped cream frosting, and optional juicy strawberries for that iconic Costco flair. This bakery-style cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply indulging at home. Easy to make yet stunning, this fluffy vanilla cake will wow your guests with its moist crumb and creamy finish. Let’s bake this Cake Costco Copy Cat and make every moment a party!
Why You’ll Love Cake Costco Copy Cat
- Bakery-Worthy: This celebration cake mimics Costco’s iconic fluffy texture and taste.
- Quick to Whip Up: Ready in about an hour, perfect for last-minute events.
- Customizable: Add berries or sprinkles to make this bakery-style cake your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its light, creamy layers delight kids and adults alike.
- Moist and Flavorful: Sour cream and milk ensure a tender, luscious crumb.
Ingredients for Cake Costco Copy Cat
Here’s what you’ll need for this fluffy vanilla cake (serves 12, two 9-inch layers):
Cake:
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks, 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180g) sour cream
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
Frosting and Filling:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix (optional, for stability)
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, sliced (optional, for filling)
Serving (Optional):
- Extra strawberries or rainbow sprinkles
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Wire rack
- Whisk and spatula
Ingredient Tips
- Flour: Sift flour for a lighter Cake Costco Copy Cat crumb.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture; Greek yogurt works for a tangier bakery-style cake.
- Vanilla: Use real vanilla extract for authentic Costco flavor in this fluffy vanilla cake.
- Heavy Cream: Chill cream for easier whipping in this celebration cake.
- Strawberries: Optional for a classic Costco touch; raspberries or blueberries work too.
Directions for Cake Costco Copy Cat
Let’s bake this Cake Costco Copy Cat—a perfect bakery-style cake!
Prep the Oven and Pans
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment for easy release of this fluffy vanilla cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I whisk 2½ cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt, ensuring even leavening for a light celebration cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, I cream ¾ cup butter and 1½ cups sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, for a tender Cake Costco Copy Cat crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
I beat in 3 eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl, then add 2 tsp vanilla extract for that signature bakery-style cake flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, I mix ¾ cup sour cream and ¾ cup milk until smooth, ready to blend into this fluffy vanilla cake batter.
Mix the Batter
I alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing on low until just combined to keep this celebration cake tender.
Bake the Layers
I divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. I cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for this bakery-style cake.
Make the Frosting
I whip 2 cups heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp pudding mix (if using) until stiff peaks form, creating a stable frosting for this fluffy vanilla cake.
Assemble the Cake
I place one cake layer on a plate, spread with whipped cream and sliced strawberries (if using), top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides with whipped cream, swirling for a festive Cake Costco Copy Cat look.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: ~50–55 minutes
- Servings: 12 (1 slice per serving)
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving (with strawberries)
- Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 5g protein, 18g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Cake Costco Copy Cat
Try these twists on this bakery-style cake:
- Berry Swap: Use raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a vibrant celebration cake, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Avocado Salad.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a chocolate ganache drizzle for a decadent fluffy vanilla cake.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free Cake Costco Copy Cat.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy bakery-style cake.
- Mini Cakes: Cut rounds from layers for individual celebration cakes.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken for a bold party spread.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte for a cozy vibe.
Storage
I cover leftover fluffy vanilla cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days; the whipped cream absorbs berry juices for extra flavor. For freezing, I wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months, assembling with fresh frosting when ready. I let chilled slices sit at room temp for 30 minutes for the best Cake Costco Copy Cat taste.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve this Cake Costco Copy Cat with swirled whipped cream and strawberries for a stunning bakery-style cake.
- Garnish: Add sprinkles or chocolate shavings for this celebration cake.
- Pairing: Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or Layla Cooks’ Pomegranate Margarita for a festive touch.
- Portion Size: 1 slice per person for a satisfying dessert.
- Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, parties, or cozy gatherings.
FAQs About Cake Costco Copy Cat
Here are answers to common questions about this dessert:
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but fresh whipped cream gives a luxurious texture to this bakery-style cake; store-bought works in a pinch.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Sour cream, milk, and minimal baking time ensure a tender fluffy vanilla cake.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for a gluten-free celebration cake.
Are strawberries necessary?
No, skip them or use other fruits for a versatile Cake Costco Copy Cat.
How do I make it festive?
Add sprinkles, a custom icing message, or extra berries for a vibrant bakery-style cake.
More Interesting Cake Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Cake Costco Copy Cat is a joyful, bakery-style dessert that brings celebration to any table. This fluffy vanilla cake is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Bake this celebration cake, top with whipped cream and berries, and savor the homemade happiness!
Desserts Cake Costco Copy Cat
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup 1½ sticks, 170g unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups 300g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup 180g sour cream
- ¾ cup 180ml whole milk
For the Frosting and Filling:
- 2 cups 480ml heavy cream
- ½ cup 60g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant vanilla pudding mix optional, for stability
- 1 cup 150g fresh strawberries, sliced (optional, for filling)
For Serving (Optional):
- Extra strawberries or rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pans
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment for easy release of this fluffy vanilla cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, I whisk 2½ cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt, ensuring even leavening for a light celebration cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, I cream ¾ cup butter and 1½ cups sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, for a tender Cake Costco Copy Cat crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- I beat in 3 eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl, then add 2 tsp vanilla extract for that signature bakery-style cake flavor.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a small bowl, I mix ¾ cup sour cream and ¾ cup milk until smooth, ready to blend into this fluffy vanilla cake batter.
Mix the Batter
- I alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing on low until just combined to keep this celebration cake tender.
Bake the Layers
- I divide the batter evenly between the pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. I cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for this bakery-style cake.
Make the Frosting
- I whip 2 cups heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp pudding mix (if using) until stiff peaks form, creating a stable frosting for this fluffy vanilla cake.
Assemble the Cake
- I place one cake layer on a plate, spread with whipped cream and sliced strawberries (if using), top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides with whipped cream, swirling for a festive Cake Costco Copy Cat look.
Notes
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