Fluffy Homemade Best Vanilla Cake Recipe That Melts Hearts

My grandmother’s treasured vanilla cake recipe has been a cherished family secret for generations.

Soft, pillowy layers promise pure delight with every single bite.

Whispers of nostalgia drift through the kitchen when the batter comes together.

Sweet memories emerge from simple ingredients carefully measured and lovingly mixed.

Bakers searching for absolute perfection will find comfort in this classic dessert.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness.

You can create magic with just a few pantry staples and a dash of passion.

How to Bake the Best Vanilla Cake From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for cake magic.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

• Spreading butter generously on the bottom and sides
• Dusting with a light layer of flour
• Or lining completely with parchment paper for easy cake removal

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix- gentle folding keeps the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Pour and Spread

Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread smoothly and tap pans to release air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide pans into preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean and edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Smart Baking Tips for Vanilla Cake Success

• Prep Perfectly: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even cake texture.
• Choose Quality Vanilla: Select pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the most authentic, rich flavor.
• Master Mixing Technique: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a tender cake crumb.
• Prevent Dryness: Avoid overbaking by checking cake doneness with a toothpick- it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
• Store Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain moisture and freshness.

Proper Storage for This Vanilla Cake Recipe

• Store leftover vanilla cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, ensuring it stays moist and fresh.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until slightly warm. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Frostings and Toppings to Pair With Vanilla Cake

• This classic vanilla cake demands a luxurious cream cheese frosting that complements its delicate sweetness. Smooth, tangy cream cheese balances the cake's subtle vanilla notes perfectly.
• Serve slices alongside vibrant fresh strawberries or raspberries. Their bright, slightly tart flavor provides a beautiful color contrast and refreshing counterpoint to the rich cake.
• A light champagne or sparkling white wine creates an elegant accompaniment. For non-alcoholic options, choose a delicate Earl Grey tea or vanilla-infused latte that echoes the cake's warm vanilla essence.
• Top each slice with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture and intense vanilla flavor intensify the cake's own delightful characteristics.

Flavor Twists to Try on the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Wonder: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, and use almond milk instead of regular milk. Perfect for lactose-intolerant bakers or vegan preferences.
• Healthier Honey Version: Reduce sugar by using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Add an extra egg white to maintain moisture and structure.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute part of the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie cake that still maintains delicious flavor and soft crumb.

Vanilla Cake Recipe FAQs You Might Wonder About

• Can I use all-purpose flour for this vanilla cake?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. It provides the right structure and texture for a classic vanilla cake.

• How do I ensure my cake comes out moist?

Use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs. Don’t overmix the batter, and be careful not to overbake the cake. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

• What makes vanilla extract important in this recipe?

Pure vanilla extract adds deep, rich flavor that can’t be replicated by artificial vanilla. It brings complexity and warmth to the cake’s overall taste.

• Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. The key is to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and mix ingredients until just combined.

Why Bakers Swear by This Vanilla Cake Recipe

• This vanilla cake recipe promises simplicity with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• From start to finish, you'll have a delicious homemade cake ready in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous gatherings.
• The classic vanilla base offers a universally loved taste that appeals to all ages, ensuring smiles around the dinner table during birthdays, potlucks, or family celebrations.
• Easily customize with different frostings, toppings, or fillings to match any occasion, transforming this basic recipe into a showstopping centerpiece for any event.

Ingredients That Make This Vanilla Cake a Standout

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft, light foundation for creating a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredient that provides structure and caramelization.
• Baking Powder: Key leavening agent for helping the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance and brings out sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich moisture and smooth, creamy texture to the cake.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Large Eggs: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cake's structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla brings deep, classic flavor and aromatic warmth.
• Vanilla Bean (Optional): Offers intense, natural vanilla notes for extra depth.
• Sour Cream or Buttermilk (Optional): Adds tangy richness and helps create a softer cake texture.

Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Vanilla Cake sparks pure joy with its classic, silky-smooth crumb that melts in your mouth. Sweet memories of home baking come alive, inviting you to savor each heavenly slice of this timeless dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (595 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) whole milk (room temperature)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Optional and Frosting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream (optional)
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 350 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring an ideal baking environment for a delicate vanilla cake.
2. Prepare cake pans by generously coating the interior surfaces with butter and dusting with flour, or alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
3. Select high-quality ingredients at room temperature to guarantee smooth incorporation and optimal texture.
4. Cream softened butter and sugar together in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency with a pale yellow hue.
5. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a silky, homogeneous batter.
6. Sift together dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
7. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to prevent overworking the batter and maintain a tender crumb.
8. Incorporate pure vanilla extract, stirring until just combined to preserve the delicate flavor profile.
9. Evenly distribute the batter between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to create uniform layers.
10. Position pans in the preheated oven, placing them centrally for consistent heat circulation.
11. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a inserted toothpick that emerges clean.
12. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even cake texture.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to enhance flavor and prevent dryness.
• Consider swapping all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, adding 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg