Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Simple Vanilla Cake is a classic, light, fluffy, and moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a soft crumb, it’s easy to make with basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
✔ Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques—just mix and bake!
✔ Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, tea-time, or as a base for layered cakes.
✔ Moist & Buttery: Stays soft and fresh for days.
✔ Customizable: Add fruit, chocolate chips, or frosting for endless variations!
Ingredients
For one 8-inch cake, you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Frosting & Toppings
This cake tastes amazing on its own but can be decorated with:
✔ Buttercream frosting
✔ Whipped cream & fresh berries
✔ Chocolate ganache
✔ Dusting of powdered sugar
Nutrition Information (Per Slice – Without Frosting)
(Approximate values based on ingredients used.)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 18g
Tips & Tricks for the Best Vanilla Cake
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and even baking.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Overmixing leads to a dense cake—mix until just combined.
✔ Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so check the cake at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
✔ Want a Lighter Cake? Replace ½ cup of butter with ½ cup of yogurt for a slightly healthier version.
✔ Make It Ahead: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for later!
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