If you have been on the hunt for the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone will rave about, look no further than this Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe. It’s a timeless classic filled with just the right balance of sweetness, a tender crumb, and that unmistakable comforting aroma of real vanilla. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something delightful for your afternoon tea, this cake delivers on flavor, texture, and sheer joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients is the first step to baking success. Each one in this recipe plays a vital role: from fluffing up the batter to enriching the flavor and giving the cake its beautiful golden color.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for a soft, sturdy cake that holds together perfectly.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: The rising agent that makes your cake light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich moisture and creates a tender crumb—softening is key here!
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps give the cake a soft texture when creamed with butter.
- 4 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients, contributing to a smooth crumb and beautiful rise.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses that iconic vanilla flavor that makes this cake irresistible.
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature): Adds moisture and richness, keeping every bite luscious and tender.
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your two 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper for easy release. This prep work ensures your cake layers come out clean and flawless every time.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and salt so your cake bakes uniformly with no unpleasant pockets.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This crucial step incorporates air for a tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time while beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract. These ingredients create that characteristic richness and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Begin adding your flour mixture and milk alternately to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until the batter is combined—overmixing can toughen your cake, so keep it gentle.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops gently. Place them in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The classic nature of this cake makes it a fabulous canvas for all kinds of garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze adds subtle sweetness and an elegant touch. For extra flair, fresh berries or edible flowers bring a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This vanilla delight pairs wonderfully with rich accompaniments like a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. If you love fruit, a fresh fruit compote on the side elevates the cake with bright, tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
You can layer and frost this cake with classic vanilla buttercream for a timeless look or get playful with chocolate ganache to add decadence. For a rustic vibe, a naked cake style with a light crumb coat shows off the cake’s texture beautifully. Mini versions as cupcakes are perfect for sharing and decorating at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve its moistness. If uniced, it can last for up to 3 days tightly wrapped. Proper storage keeps the cake flavorful and fresh, ready for second helpings whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully either whole or sliced into layers. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before frosting or serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently microwave a single slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings out the softness and aroma, making each bite feel as fresh as when it came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended for its balance of protein content, giving the cake structure without being too dense. Using cake flour can make it softer, but adjustments in quantity would be needed. Whole wheat flour will change the texture and flavor but can work in small amounts.
Why is it important to use room temperature eggs and milk?
Ingredients at room temperature blend more evenly, helping you achieve a smooth, airy batter. Cold eggs and milk can cause the butter to seize or curdle, affecting your cake’s texture and rise.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter provides flavor and texture that oil can’t exactly replicate, but you can substitute with a neutral-flavored oil to make the cake moist. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be different, and you usually need less oil than butter.
How can I make this cake more moist?
Brushing simple syrup lightly on the cake layers before frosting adds extra moisture. Using buttermilk instead of whole milk also enhances moisture and flavor for a slightly tangy undertone.
Is this Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Its straightforward steps and common ingredients make it a fantastic recipe for anyone new to baking. Following the instructions carefully will yield a delicious cake that’s sure to boost your confidence in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe. It’s simple yet elegant, timeless yet comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you taste it, this recipe might just become your go-to for every celebration and cozy moment in between.
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Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic homemade vanilla cake that is moist, fluffy, and perfect for any celebration. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward baking method to create a delicious dessert base that pairs wonderfully with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully blended into the buttery mixture.
- Mix in vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract for classic vanilla flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Fill cake pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for frosting or serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- This cake pairs well with vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
- You can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan; increase baking time to about 40 minutes in that case.
