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
Scale
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.
