Baking a vanilla cake from scratch is one of the most satisfying experiences in the kitchen. This cake is timeless. It brings back memories of birthdays, family dinners, and lazy weekends when the house smelled like butter and sugar. Even if you’re new to baking, a classic vanilla cake is the perfect place to begin. It is simple, forgiving, and always delicious.
A well-made vanilla cake is soft and moist with a light crumb and a rich, buttery flavor that isn’t too sweet. It works for every occasion, whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because you’re in the mood for something homemade and comforting. Once you master the basics, you can take this simple recipe and turn it into your signature dessert by adding your favorite flavors or toppings.
In this guide, you will learn exactly what ingredients to use, how to prepare the batter, and the best way to bake and serve your vanilla cake. You will also get tips on how to customize it, understand its nutritional value, and how to make it look and taste its best every time.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. The best part about this cake is that it uses pantry staples, so you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and ½ cups of granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
1 cup of whole milk
If you want a cake that is both fluffy and moist, don’t skip the butter or the eggs. Room-temperature ingredients are also key because they help the batter mix more evenly, which results in a smoother texture once baked.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2½ cups | 1140 |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 4 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 1600 |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | 1160 |
| Eggs | 4 large | 280 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp | 37 |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | 150 |
Total (whole cake): approx. 4371 calories
Per slice (10 slices): approx. 437 calories
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This small step makes a big difference when it’s time to remove the cake from the pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir with a whisk or fork. Mixing these separately ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps your cake rise properly.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the mixture to be pale and fluffy. This step helps trap air in the batter, which gives your cake that light and tender texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract. This is what gives the cake its classic flavor, so don’t skimp on it.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix or your cake could come out dense instead of light.
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost them or serve as-is.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This cake is the perfect base for experimenting. Here are some ways to make it your own:
Add lemon zest or a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor
Mix in some mini chocolate chips or crushed strawberries into the batter
Layer the cake with fruit preserves or whipped cream
Use flavored frosting like chocolate, caramel, or even peanut butter
You can also turn this recipe into cupcakes. Just pour the batter into a muffin pan and reduce the baking time to about 18 to 20 minutes.
Nutritional Information
For a single slice (based on 10 slices):
- Calories: 437
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Sugar: 38 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 160 mg
This cake is definitely a treat, but when shared and enjoyed in moderation, it’s the kind of indulgence that brings happiness without guilt.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is so versatile that it works for nearly every occasion. You can serve it as a simple snack with tea or coffee. For birthdays, frost it with buttercream or whipped cream and decorate with sprinkles or fruit.
If you want to keep it simple, just dust it with powdered sugar and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a great base for layered cakes or trifles if you are in the mood to get creative.
Conclusion
A classic vanilla cake is something every home baker should know how to make. It is simple, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding. The ingredients are easy to find and the steps are straightforward. Whether you make it for a celebration or just to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake brings joy with every bite.
Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s one of those dependable bakes that never lets you down. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake something special today. You’ll be glad you did.