Craving something sweet but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? You are not alone. Sometimes the best desserts are the easiest ones. No need for fancy tools or complicated baking techniques. You just need a few basic ingredients, a warm oven, and the desire to whip up something delicious.

Homemade cakes don’t have to be complicated to taste good. In fact, the simpler the recipe, the better it often turns out. Whether you are baking for a birthday, a cozy weekend treat, or just need a last-minute dessert for unexpected guests, a simple cake can save the day. It is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.

This guide walks you through a fail-proof cake recipe that beginners can follow with confidence. It includes everything you need to know, from a basic ingredients list to step-by-step baking instructions and customization tips that will make your cake truly stand out. The best part is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

So roll up your sleeves and preheat that oven. Let’s bake something amazing without the stress.

Ingredients You Will Need

You do not need a mile-long grocery list to make a great cake. Most of these ingredients are common pantry staples that you likely already have at home. This simple cake is based on a classic vanilla butter cake. It is soft, moist, and makes a great foundation for many variations.

Here is what you will need:

  • All-purpose flour – 1 and a half cups
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup
  • Unsalted butter, softened – Half a cup
  • Eggs – 2
  • Whole milk – Half a cup
  • Baking powder – 1 and a half teaspoons
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – One quarter teaspoon

This combination results in a soft and fluffy cake with a lightly golden top and rich vanilla flavor. It yields about 8 servings and totals roughly 2500 calories for the whole cake, depending on the brands you use. That breaks down to around 313 calories per slice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple instructions to bake your cake to perfection.

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. While the oven warms up, lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about three to four minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until everything is fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Alternate with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir just until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing as this can make the cake dense.

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or slicing.

Customization Tips to Make It Your Own

This basic cake recipe is easy to tweak to match your mood or the season. Here are some fun and simple ways to elevate the flavor and texture:

Grate in a bit of lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavor. It gives the cake a fresh twist without changing the texture.

Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. It adds bursts of flavor in every bite.

Swap out whole milk for buttermilk. It adds a slight tang and makes the cake even more tender.

Replace one quarter cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. The result is a light and moist chocolate version of the same cake.

Vanilla is a classic, but you can use almond extract, coconut extract, or even a mix of both for a unique taste.

This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, whipped cream, or a simple sugar glaze. You can also just dust the top with powdered sugar for a rustic finish.

Nutritional Information Per Slice

Here is the approximate nutrition breakdown for one slice of this cake, assuming you cut it into eight portions and do not add any toppings or fillings.

  • Calories – 313
  • Carbohydrates – 38 grams
  • Protein – 4 grams
  • Fat – 17 grams
  • Saturated fat – 10 grams
  • Sugar – 22 grams
  • Fiber – 1 gram
  • Sodium – 170 milligrams

Keep in mind that these numbers will change if you add chocolate, nuts, frosting, or other extras.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it look beautiful and adds a light touch of sweetness.

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a pop of color and a burst of juicy flavor.

Vanilla ice cream on the side turns this cake into a decadent dessert.

Try chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or a berry compote to take it to the next level.

A slice of this cake with a cup of tea or coffee makes for the perfect afternoon treat.

Conclusion

Baking a homemade cake does not have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious cake that tastes like it came from a bakery. This recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike. It is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Once you try this cake, it may just become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you dress it up with frosting and fruit or keep it simple and classic, it never fails to impress.

So go ahead and let your kitchen fill with the smell of butter and vanilla. You deserve a treat that is both easy and amazing.