If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious vanilla cake recipe, you’re in the right place! This classic vanilla cake is soft, moist, and perfect for any celebration or just an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
The combination of a few simple ingredients creates a cake that’s fluffy and full of flavor, making it the ideal base for frosting, fillings, or even enjoying on its own.
Ingredients List
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting the pan)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup milk (preferably whole milk for a rich texture)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools is essential for making this vanilla cake recipe come out perfectly. With these kitchen essentials, you’ll be able to mix, bake, and serve with ease. Here are the tools you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: A few medium-sized mixing bowls to combine your dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer will save time and ensure the ingredients are well-blended for a smooth batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting the best results.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans: If you plan on stacking the cakes, two 9-inch round pans are ideal for even baking.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows your cake to cool evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Step-by-Step Cake Preparation
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to dive into the cake-making process. This vanilla cake is simple to prepare, and with a few easy steps, you’ll have a cake that’s perfectly moist and full of flavor.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease your cake pans with cooking spray and dust them with a bit of flour to prevent the cake from sticking. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well distributed before mixing with the wet ingredients.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until fully combined. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature—this helps the batter mix more smoothly and results in a fluffier cake.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently as you go. You can use an electric mixer on low speed or a hand whisk for this part. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. Once the batter is smooth and well combined, you’re ready to pour it into your prepared cake pans.
Baking the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter for an even bake. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Every oven is different, so be sure to check the cake’s doneness at the 25-minute mark.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cakes onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Decorating the Cake
You can enjoy this vanilla cake as-is, or decorate it with your favorite frosting. A simple buttercream frosting or whipped cream works wonderfully with this cake. For added flavor, you can also use fresh berries or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Serving Tips
This vanilla cake is versatile—serve it as a birthday cake, for a family gathering, or just as an everyday treat with coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze slices for up to 1 month. Simply wrap the slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for later enjoyment.
