Name: Vanilla Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

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If you’ve been searching for that forever favorite dessert to make for birthdays, holidays, or simply because you crave a little comfort, this Vanilla Cake is it! There’s a reason it’s a timeless classic: each bite is delicate, fluffy, and filled with the unmistakable warmth of real vanilla. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe brings bakery-style results to your own oven, no fancy tricks required. Let’s bake some joy together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Vanilla Cake lies in how a handful of pantry staples come together so beautifully. Each ingredient plays its part, from building the tender crumb to delivering that cozy golden color and depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the Vanilla Cake its classic structure and softness.
Baking powder: Provides just the right lift, keeping your cake layers light and airy.
Salt: Don’t skip it! A tiny pinch wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps incorporate air when creaming with the butter for that fluffy result.
Large eggs at room temperature: Eggs bind everything together and add a tender, springy texture.
Pure vanilla extract: The star! Use good-quality extract or swap in vanilla bean paste for an even more fragrant and speckled cake.
Whole milk at room temperature: Introduces moisture and a touch of richness, keeping the crumb perfectly balanced.

How to Make Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Let’s get started with the essentials: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is, and give your two 9-inch round cake pans a little love. Thoroughly grease and flour them, or line the bottoms with parchment paper if you’d prefer fast cleanup. Trust me, this extra bit of care means your Vanilla Cake will slide out perfectly every time—no heartbreak over stuck layers!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. By sifting and combining these first, you ensure your Vanilla Cake bakes up evenly, with no surprise lumps and a gentle, cloud-like texture in every slice.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Time to build the cake’s signature fluffiness: in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. After 3–4 minutes, you should see a light, pale, and creamy mixture—that’s the sign you’re incorporating plenty of air for a perfect crumb. This step truly sets homemade Vanilla Cake apart!

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Add your room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating each in until totally blended before adding the next. Stir in that luscious tablespoon of vanilla extract (or swap in vanilla bean paste if you want those pretty specks). You’ll instantly smell the flavor to come!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Set your mixer to low and alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This method yields an ultra-smooth batter and protects your Vanilla Cake from over-mixing, which keeps the finished layers fluffy, not tough. Mix just until everything’s combined and smooth—no more.

Step 6: Divide, Bake, and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops for even baking. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Watch for a golden color and a toothpick that comes out clean—your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible! Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely before any decorating or frosting magic begins.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake

Garnishes

Dressing up your Vanilla Cake is half the fun! A layer of fluffy buttercream, swirls of whipped cream, or a dreamy cream cheese frosting elevates every slice. You can sprinkle on fresh berries, chopped toasted nuts, or even edible flowers for a bakery-worthy look. Sometimes, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is just right, especially if you want those classic vibes.

Side Dishes

To make your Vanilla Cake a memorable centerpiece, pair slices with a scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of homemade berry compote, or a spoonful of tangy lemon curd. A chilled glass of milk, a mug of coffee, or a pot of tea on the side turns any occasion into an easy everyday celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Vanilla Cake at its best by stacking the layers tall and proud on a pretty cake stand, fully frosted or semi-naked for a rustic look. Try baking the batter as cupcakes for perfect party-friendly portions. For a fun twist, cut out mini layers with biscuit cutters and stack them with jam and frosting for adorable personal treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Vanilla Cake left (highly unlikely!), wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft on the counter for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavor often deepens after a day—if you can wait that long!

Freezing

This Vanilla Cake freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Once completely cooled, wrap individual layers or slices in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight at room temperature and frost or serve as desired.

Reheating

If you prefer your Vanilla Cake warm, pop an unfrosted slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive its soft texture. Just be sure not to overheat, especially if you’ve frosted it, as some toppings can melt.

FAQs

Can I make this Vanilla Cake recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds of the way full. Bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll get about 24 cupcakes full of classic flavor.

How do I know when my cake layers are done baking?

Your Vanilla Cake layers are ready when the tops spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the most tender crumb.

Can I use alternative milks or flour?

If you need a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk (though it may be slightly less rich). For flour, stick with all-purpose for best results, but a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free blend can often be used in place of regular flour with good results.

What’s the best frosting for Vanilla Cake?

You can’t go wrong with classic vanilla or chocolate buttercream, but cream cheese frosting or a simple whipped cream topping are also delicious. The cake’s delicate flavor means it pairs well with almost any frosting, so feel free to get creative.

How do I prevent my Vanilla Cake from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to thoroughly grease and flour your cake pans, or line them with parchment paper cut to fit. Let the cakes cool for at least 10 minutes before turning out, which helps keep those layers looking perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen just how easy and rewarding it is to bake up this Vanilla Cake, I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice very soon. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cake baking, or the first magical forkful of homemade goodness. Happy baking, and don’t forget to make it your own!

Vanilla Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic deliciousness of a homemade Vanilla Cake that’s moist, tender, and rich with vanilla flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you baking a perfect cake every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine ingredients: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.