Dreamy Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe That’s Pure Heaven
Baking a delectable moist vanilla cake brings pure joy to the kitchen.
This classic vanilla cake recipe promises a tender, soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Crafted with simple ingredients, the cake delivers rich, comforting flavors that everyone adores.
Each bite reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and delicate vanilla notes.
The recipe works magic for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve a delightful treat.
Topped with creamy frosting or enjoyed plain, this cake stands as a crowd-pleasing dessert that sparks smiles around the table.
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this irresistible homemade cake that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients for Vanilla Cake
For Wet Ingredients:For Dry Ingredients:For Pan Preparation:Tools for Baking Vanilla Cake
How to Make an Vanilla Cake
Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking pan a quick butter and flour massage to prevent sticking.
Grab your mixer and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy dream that looks like soft sunshine.
Crack eggs one by one into your mixture, giving each a good beating. Splash in vanilla for that classic sweet whisper of flavor.
In a separate bowl, gently combine flour, baking powder, and salt with a soft whisk, creating a powdery symphony.
Slowly fold dry ingredients and milk into your butter mixture, alternating between the two. Stir with love, but don’t go crazy – just enough to make everything friends.
Spread your silky batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the top like you’re tucking a cake into bed.
Slide the pan into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean and golden.
Let the cake rest in the pan for a quick 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Your delicious creation is ready to be devoured!
Tips for Vanilla Cake Variations
Serving Suggestions for Vanilla Cake
How to Store Vanilla Cake Properly
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 321 kcal
Servings: 12
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Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 13 1x
Description
Silky smooth easy vanilla cake delights dessert enthusiasts with classic American baking charm. Butter, sugar, and vanilla blend seamlessly to create a tender crumb you’ll savor with pure comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¾ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ cups (330 g) cake flour
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease two 9-inch circular pans or one 9×13-inch rectangular pan, dusting with flour to prevent adhesion.
- Creaming Process: Employ electric mixer to whip softened butter and sugar into a light, voluminous mixture for 4-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Liquid Integration: Fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly into the creamy base.
- Dry Ingredient Composition: Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture that will provide structure to the cake.
- Batter Development: Gradually combine dry ingredients with butter mixture, alternating with milk. Fold gently to maintain batter’s delicate consistency, starting and ending with dry ingredients to prevent overmixing.
- Baking Preparation: Evenly distribute batter into prepared pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure consistent depth and optimal baking results.
- Baking and Verification: Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter residue.
- Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven and allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Select Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother blending and optimal cake texture, preventing lumpy batter and promoting even mixing.
- Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stopping precisely when ingredients combine to prevent tough, dense cake from developing gluten through excessive stirring.
- Check Oven Calibration: Use an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature matches 350F setting, preventing uneven baking or potential burning due to inaccurate heat distribution.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or replace dairy milk with almond/oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising cake’s delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 274
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 118 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.