Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade vanilla cake is everything you want in a cake: light, moist, and full of delicious vanilla flavor. The combination of butter and sugar creates a perfectly balanced sweetness, while the eggs help achieve a smooth and fluffy texture. It’s a versatile base that pairs wonderfully with any frosting or filling, and its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Plus, the ease of preparation and the minimal ingredients required make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Cooling time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Vanilla Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to turn this into a chocolate vanilla cake.

• Lemon Vanilla Cake: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoon lemon juice to the batter for a fresh, citrusy twist.

• Berry Vanilla Cake: Fold in some fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added flavor and texture.

• Frosting Variations: Top your cake with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even whipped cream. You can also flavor your frosting with vanilla, lemon, or chocolate for added variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: The cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, you can either let the cake come to room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

How do I know when my vanilla cake is done?

You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes to bake.

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk of your choice. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out great.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it until you're ready to frost and serve.

Can I make this into a single layer cake?

Absolutely! You can bake the batter in one 9-inch round pan and adjust the baking time slightly. It will take about 35-40 minutes to bake in one pan.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the cake. However, if you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe by half.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?

To prevent sinking, make sure your oven is preheated before placing the cake in and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Also, don’t overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to deflate.

How can I make my cake extra moist?

For an even moister cake, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter. This will add richness and keep the cake soft.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes, this recipe can be used for cupcakes! Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make this cake dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk.

How do I frost the cake?

Once the cake is completely cool, you can frost it with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream. Be sure the cake layers are fully cooled to avoid melting your frosting.

Conclusion

This homemade vanilla cake is a classic that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion. Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or with a decadent frosting, this cake will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!

Print