The Best Homemade Easy Vanilla Cake Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This vanilla cake recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday or just a sweet craving. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Light and fluffy texture—every bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Versatile and customizable—add frosting, fruit, or even chocolate chips to make it your own.
- Family-friendly favorite—kids and adults alike will ask for seconds, making it a go-to treat for gatherings.
Recipe
This classic homemade vanilla cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Light, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with frosting or fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- For best results, make certain all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
Equipment:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 12 slices
Nutrition
Enjoy this classic homemade vanilla cake with a light and fluffy texture and a delightful vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
| Nutrition (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 6g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my vanilla cake with fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, because their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly. Whipped cream adds a light, fluffy texture that makes every bite feel extra special. For a richer treat, I sometimes drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Fresh Berries Whipped Cream
When I’m making a vanilla cake, I love pairing it with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream—it’s a classic combo that feels fancy but is super easy to pull off. I usually grab strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, depending on what’s in season. For the whipped cream, I whisk heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until it’s fluffy and light. The tartness of the berries cuts through the cake’s sweetness, and the whipped cream adds a creamy richness. It’s a dessert that looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and always makes me feel like I’ve mastered kitchen magic without breaking a sweat.
Warm Chocolate Sauce
While fresh berries and whipped cream are a delightful pairing, sometimes I’m in the mood for something a bit richer—like a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. It’s simple to make: just melt chocolate with a splash of cream and a pinch of salt. The result? A silky, decadent topping that turns vanilla cake into pure indulgence. I love how it pools around each slice, making every bite feel special. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s heaven. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder how you ever ate cake without it.
