Vanilla Cake Recipe

Introduction

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from the aroma of a freshly baked vanilla cake filling the kitchen—warm, sweet, and nostalgic. Ella Chef remembers helping her grandmother bake on quiet Sunday mornings, when the sunlight gently touched the counter and life felt beautifully simple. Those early moments sparked her love for baking, inspiring her to create recipes that are both delightful and approachable. This vanilla cake is one of her favorite creations: soft, fluffy, and elegantly flavored. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a peaceful afternoon, this cake brings comfort in every bite.

vanilla cake recipe

Classic Vanilla Cake

A soft, fluffy, aromatic vanilla cake perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk room temperature

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Cake Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until smooth.
  6. Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make This Vanilla Cake

Creating a perfect vanilla cake begins with preparing your ingredients at room temperature to ensure an even, smooth batter. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, making sure there are no clumps. This dry mixture will help your cake rise evenly and give it that fluffy texture.

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until pale and airy—this step traps tiny air pockets that make the cake soft and tender. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract, which enhances the cake’s aroma and flavor.

Now, alternate between adding the dry mixture and the milk into the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to help them bake level.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, frost with your favorite vanilla buttercream or whipped cream. This recipe gives you a moist, elegant cake perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or tea-time indulgence.

Conclusion

This classic vanilla cake is more than a dessert—it’s a warm memory preserved in every slice. Inspired by Ella Chef’s early baking experiences, it offers simplicity, comfort, and elegance for every occasion. The soft crumb, delicate aroma, and smooth frosting make it a timeless favorite for your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe guarantees delicious results that bring joy to any table. Bake it once, and it will quickly become your go-to vanilla cake for years to come.

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