This Vanilla Cake Recipe is super moist, easy, and perfect for any occasion! Made with simple ingredients for a fluffy, delicious vanilla flavor.
Hello there, my friend 👋! Want a dessert that makes everyone happy? You can’t go wrong with a delicious homemade vanilla cake.
It’s so versatile! You can dress it up with different frostings and fillings for any occasion.
Let’s bake!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Two large mixing bowls.
- Several smaller mixing bowls.
- A whisk.
- A baking pan (9×13 inch, two round pans, or a bundt pan).
- A hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Oven mitts.
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Serving plates.
The Recipe
Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease and flour your baking pan(s) of choice.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s).
- Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes (adjust based on your pan choice), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan(s) before frosting or serving. This cake is perfect with vanilla buttercream, chocolate frosting, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter – this will make the cake tough.
- For extra fluffiness, sift your dry ingredients before adding them to the wet batter.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| All-purpose flour | Cake flour, whole-wheat flour |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe), shortening, vegan butter substitute |
| Milk | Buttermilk, sour cream thinned with a little water, non-dairy alternative |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup |
What to Serve with Vanilla Cake
Vanilla cake is delicious with so many things! Try it with:
- Your favorite frosting, like buttercream, chocolate, or cream cheese.
- Whipped cream.
- Fresh berries and fruit.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Chocolate sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my vanilla cake dense?
There are a few reasons your cake might be dense. Make sure you measure your flour correctly. Also, don’t overmix the batter or overbake the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Assemble and frost the cake the day you serve it.
Can I freeze leftover vanilla cake?
Yes, vanilla cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the slices individually or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months.
How do I know if my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. You can also lightly touch the top of the cake–it should spring back when ready.
Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?
Yes, you can. These cupcakes will bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
