Vanilla Cake Ideas
This comforting and versatile vanilla cake recipe is soft, moist, and the perfect foundation for everything from celebrations to afternoon tea. With nostalgic flavor and approachable steps, it’s a cake for every home baker.
Equipment
- 8-inch Cake Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Instructions
- Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Notes
Try flavor twists like chocolate swirls, holiday spices, or cupcake forms for fun variety. Always use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing for best results.