Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe: Sweet Homemade Bliss in Every Bite

Baking a delightful vanilla cake doesn’t have to feel like rocket science.

Whisks and mixing bowls become your creative playground for culinary magic.

Every kitchen adventurer can master this simple yet elegant dessert.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home, promising pure comfort and joy.

Subtle vanilla notes dance through soft, tender crumbs that melt on your tongue.

Measuring ingredients carefully ensures a foolproof treat that impresses without complicated techniques.

Let’s turn ordinary moments into something wonderfully delectable with this irresistible cake that beckons you to slice and savor.

Easy Vanilla Cake: Why It’s a Classic Treat

• Versatile enough for birthdays, anniversaries, or casual gatherings, this cake can be easily dressed up with frosting, fruits, or decorative toppings to suit any occasion.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can have a homemade cake ready in under an hour, providing a fast solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• With its classic vanilla flavor and soft texture, this cake appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for family desserts or potluck gatherings where pleasing multiple taste preferences matters.

Ingredients for Simple Vanilla Cake Goodness

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the cake's soft, moist texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and help create a light, fluffy cake.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that defines the cake's taste.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.

How to Bake a Fluffy Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Zone

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Grab two round cake pans and give them some love with cooking spray or butter.

Dust with flour or line with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re best friends and look perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Magic

In a separate bowl, take your butter and sugar.

Beat them together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

This should take about 4 minutes of passionate mixing.

Step 4: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Alternate with milk, mixing gently.

The key is to blend just until everything is combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your cake batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely before serving.

Tips for the Softest Vanilla Cake Around

• Use fresh, room-temperature eggs and pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop gluten and create a tough, dense texture instead of a light, tender cake.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more uniform cake batter.
• Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and will remain wonderfully moist.
• Swap milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the cake's delicate texture and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Your Vanilla Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Leave covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Ensure cake is completely sealed to prevent drying out or collecting dust.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and warmth.

Pairing Drinks and Toppings for Vanilla Cake

• Elevate Vanilla Cake Flavor Combinations
• Pair Creamy Lavender Tea: Delicate lavender tea complements the cake's sweetness, creating a gentle, aromatic experience that enhances the vanilla's subtle notes.
• Match Caramel Espresso Drizzle: Rich espresso with a caramel swirl provides a bold contrast to the cake's soft texture, delivering a sophisticated dessert moment.
• Serve Raspberry Champagne Coulis: Bright, tangy raspberry sauce with a champagne hint cuts through the cake's richness, adding a luxurious and refreshing dimension to each bite.
• Complement Fresh Whipped Mascarpone: Silky mascarpone cream with a touch of honey brings elegant creaminess that perfectly balances the cake's light and airy structure.

Flavor Variations for Classic Vanilla Cake

• Gluten-Free Classic: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or coconut flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegetable shortening and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for those with lactose intolerance.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the cake's soft texture for diabetic-friendly diets.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with mashed bananas, applesauce, or commercial egg replacer, and use plant-based milk and margarine to create a completely animal-product-free cake.

FAQs

• Can I make this vanilla cake without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. Just ensure the butter and sugar are well creamed and eggs are fully incorporated.

• Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the cake’s saltiness.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing once the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the cake tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.

• Can I substitute milk with another liquid?

Buttermilk or yogurt work great as milk alternatives. They add moisture and help create a tender cake texture. Just use the same quantity as the milk called for in the recipe.

Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet vanilla cake dreams come alive with this simple yet irresistible dessert that promises pure indulgement. Delicate layers of homemade goodness melt in your mouth, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite of comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters / 12 fluid ounces) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams / 8.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancer:

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with grease, flour, or parchment paper for optimal cake release.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
3. Create a smooth butter and sugar mixture by creaming together until the texture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume, approximately 4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition to maintain a consistent emulsion.
5. Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture, stirring until the liquid is fully integrated and the batter appears uniform.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to prevent over-mixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring smooth surface and equal volume for consistent baking.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool completely in pans before removing, preventing potential structural collapse during transfer.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and better cake texture.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Replace butter with vegetable oil for a lighter, more moist cake that stays fresh longer.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of almond extract or grated lemon zest to the batter for a subtle twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg