As a lover of all things sweet, I have discovered the ultimate way to take vanilla cake to the next level.
Picture this: a soft, fluffy slice of heaven topped with a decadent array of flavors.
From classic buttercream frosting to a drizzle of caramel and even an unexpected Oreo cookie crumble, these 15 toppings are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with delight.
So, grab your forks and prepare to indulge in the most mouthwatering vanilla cake creations you’ve ever tasted.

Classic Buttercream Frosting
You should definitely try making classic buttercream frosting for your vanilla cake; it’s a must-have topping!
The rich and creamy texture of buttercream frosting perfectly complements the light and fluffy nature of a vanilla cake. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Simply beat the softened butter until creamy, gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. The result is a luscious frosting that spreads effortlessly onto your cake, providing a deliciously sweet and buttery finish.
Once you’ve tasted this classic buttercream frosting on your vanilla cake, you won’t want to use any other topping.
Fresh Fruit Compote
For a burst of fruity flavor, try topping your vanilla cake with a fresh fruit compote. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate your dessert.
To make the compote, I start by choosing a variety of ripe and juicy fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. I chop them into small pieces and gently simmer them in a saucepan with a bit of sugar and lemon juice. The result is a sweet and tangy mixture that adds a pop of color and freshness to the cake.
The compote pairs perfectly with the creamy vanilla flavor and adds a delightful texture. So the next time you bake a vanilla cake, don’t forget to add this delightful fruit compote on top!
Cream Cheese Icing
To achieve a creamy and tangy finishing touch, spread a layer of cream cheese icing on your cake.
I absolutely love cream cheese icing on vanilla cake. It adds a rich and decadent flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. The smooth and velvety texture of the icing creates a delightful contrast against the moist and fluffy cake.
I enjoy the tanginess that the cream cheese brings, as it cuts through the sweetness and adds a nice balance of flavors. Whether it’s a classic carrot cake or a simple sheet cake, cream cheese icing is always a winner.
It’s easy to make too, with just a few ingredients like cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of cake with a generous slather of cream cheese icing. You won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Ganache
Indulge in the rich and velvety texture of chocolate ganache as it cascades over your favorite dessert. There’s something truly magical about the way it coats every bite, adding a luxurious touch to any sweet treat.
Made with just two simple ingredients – chocolate and cream – ganache is a versatile topping that can elevate any dessert to new heights of decadence.
I love how the glossy ganache glides smoothly over a moist vanilla cake, creating a luscious layer that is both indulgent and irresistible. The intense chocolate flavor perfectly balances the delicate sweetness of the cake, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or not, you simply can’t resist the allure of this velvety delight.
Caramel Drizzle
The caramel drizzle adds a gooey and sweet touch to any dessert, making it absolutely irresistible. I love how it cascades down the sides of a vanilla cake, creating a beautiful and mouthwatering presentation.
The rich and buttery flavor of the caramel complements the light and fluffy texture of the cake perfectly. With each bite, you get a heavenly combination of sweetness and creaminess.
The caramel drizzle also adds a delightful contrast in temperature, especially when poured over a warm slice of cake. It slowly melts into the cake, creating a luscious and indulgent experience.
Whether it’s a simple vanilla cake or a more elaborate creation, the caramel drizzle takes it to another level of deliciousness.
Whipped Cream and Berries
Whipped cream and berries create a delightful combination of creamy and fruity flavors. I love how the light and fluffy texture of the whipped cream complements the juicy and sweet burst of the berries. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven.
When I take a bite of vanilla cake topped with this heavenly duo, it’s like a party in my mouth. The smoothness of the cream and the tanginess of the berries perfectly balance each other, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The whipped cream adds a creamy richness, while the berries add a fresh and vibrant touch. It’s the perfect way to elevate a simple vanilla cake and make it a showstopper dessert.
Toasted Coconut Flakes
After indulging in the delightful combination of whipped cream and berries on my vanilla cake, I stumbled upon another mouthwatering topping that I simply must share with you – toasted coconut flakes.
As I sprinkled these golden brown morsels over my cake, the aroma of toasted coconut wafted through the air, instantly making my taste buds tingle with anticipation. The crunchiness of the flakes added a delightful texture to each bite, while the sweet, nutty flavor complemented the vanilla cake perfectly.
It was like a tropical vacation in every mouthful. The toasted coconut flakes added a touch of sophistication and exoticness to my plain vanilla cake, transforming it into a dessert fit for a special occasion. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this delightful topping!
Lemon Glaze
As I was browsing through different recipes, I discovered a refreshing twist for my cake – a zesty lemon glaze. I couldn’t resist trying it out.
I squeezed fresh lemons and mixed the juice with powdered sugar to create a smooth and tangy glaze. The aroma of the lemons filled my kitchen, instantly making me feel refreshed.
Once the glaze was ready, I drizzled it over my fluffy vanilla cake, watching as it cascaded down the sides, adding a vibrant pop of yellow.
With each bite, the zesty lemon flavor burst in my mouth, perfectly complimenting the sweetness of the cake. It was the perfect finishing touch, giving my vanilla cake a bright and citrusy twist.
I will definitely be using this zesty lemon glaze again.
Nutella Spread
After indulging in the tangy goodness of the Lemon Glaze, let’s dive into another delectable topping for vanilla cake – Nutella Spread.
I must admit, Nutella has always held a special place in my heart (and taste buds). The rich and creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread adds a luscious and irresistible touch to any dessert.
As I spread a generous layer of Nutella over the soft vanilla cake, the combination of flavors creates a harmonious symphony in my mouth. The sweet and nutty notes of the spread perfectly complement the delicate vanilla flavor, creating a truly heavenly treat.
Whether you enjoy it as a frosting or a filling, the Nutella Spread is guaranteed to elevate your vanilla cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Chopped Nuts and Honey
To add some extra crunch and a touch of natural sweetness to your dessert, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts and drizzle a generous amount of honey over the Nutella spread.
I absolutely love this combination of flavors and textures. The chopped nuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy Nutella. They also add a depth of flavor that elevates the dessert to a whole new level.
And let’s not forget about the honey! Its natural sweetness brings out the richness of the Nutella and creates a heavenly taste experience. The drizzle of honey adds a beautiful glaze to the dessert, making it even more visually appealing.
Trust me, once you try this topping, you’ll never want to have Nutella without it again.
Berry Jam Filling
Spread a generous amount of the homemade berry jam in the center of the cake layer, allowing its fruity sweetness to seep into every bite.
The process of making this jam was a labor of love, but oh so worth it. I handpicked the juiciest berries, simmered them with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until they transformed into a luscious, ruby-red concoction.
The burst of flavor from the jam adds a delightful tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the vanilla cake. As I take a bite, the velvety texture of the cake melds with the sticky, jammy goodness, creating a mouthwatering experience.
The combination of the soft cake and the vibrant jam is truly a match made in dessert heaven.
Peanut Butter Frosting
Slather a creamy layer of peanut butter frosting on top of the cake, allowing its rich and nutty flavor to take center stage.
As I spread the velvety frosting over the moist vanilla cake, I can’t help but anticipate the explosion of flavors that will burst in every bite. The smooth texture of the frosting complements the light and fluffy cake, creating a delightful contrast.
The sweet notes of the vanilla cake intertwine beautifully with the savory taste of the peanut butter frosting, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors. With each forkful, the creamy frosting melts in my mouth, leaving behind a lingering taste of roasted peanuts.
This peanut butter frosting is undeniably the perfect finishing touch to elevate a simple vanilla cake into a decadent dessert that will have everyone craving for more.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
I can’t resist a scoop of creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream on a hot summer day. The refreshing flavor of mint combined with the rich, decadent chocolate chips is the perfect treat to cool down and satisfy my sweet tooth.
The creamy texture of the ice cream melts in my mouth, creating a delightful sensation that brings instant relief from the heat. The combination of the cool mint and the burst of chocolate chips is simply irresistible.
Whether I’m enjoying it in a cone, a bowl, or even sandwiched between two cookies for an ice cream sandwich, mint chocolate chip ice cream always hits the spot. It’s a classic flavor that never disappoints, and I find myself coming back for more every time.
Salted Caramel Sauce
Adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to your favorite dessert is the perfect way to elevate the flavors. The combination of sweet and salty creates a delectable contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. I love how the rich caramel flavor blends with the subtle hint of saltiness, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
Whether it’s a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a slice of warm apple pie, or a fluffy stack of pancakes, the addition of salted caramel sauce takes it to another level. The smooth and sticky texture of the sauce adds a luxurious touch, making each bite even more indulgent.
Trust me, once you try this heavenly combination, you’ll never want to enjoy dessert without it again.
Oreo Cookie Crumble
To really take your dessert to the next level, go ahead and crush up some Oreo cookies for a deliciously crunchy crumble. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
I absolutely love adding this Oreo cookie crumble to my vanilla cake. It adds a wonderful texture and a burst of chocolatey goodness that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
The process is quite simple. Just take a few Oreo cookies and place them in a ziplock bag. Then, using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass, crush the cookies into small pieces.
Sprinkle the crumble generously over your frosted vanilla cake and watch as it transforms into a decadent masterpiece. The contrast between the creamy cake and the crunchy crumble is absolutely delightful, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Conclusion
Well, we’ve reached the end of our journey through the world of vanilla cake toppings. I must say, it has been quite a delightful exploration.
From the classic buttercream frosting to the indulgent chocolate ganache, each topping has added its own touch of magic to the humble vanilla cake.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your vanilla cake to the next level, why not try one (or all!) of these delectable options? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.