Vanilla Cake Recipe – A Soft, Sweet Classic Everyone Loves
Vanilla cake is one of the most loved and easy-to-make cakes out there.
It’s soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.
You can enjoy it plain, with frosting, or topped with fruit. It’s perfect for birthdays, parties, or even just a weekend treat at home.
The great thing about this vanilla cake recipe is that it uses simple ingredients and easy steps.
You don’t need any special baking skills—just follow along, and you’ll have a tasty homemade cake ready to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Cake
This vanilla cake is soft, moist, and full of flavor.
It’s not dry or too sweet.
The texture is light and fluffy, and it holds up well with or without frosting.
You can use this recipe to make a round cake, a sheet cake, or even cupcakes.
It’s also easy to double if you’re baking for a bigger group.
Plus, you can decorate it however you like—with buttercream, whipped cream, sprinkles, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
This recipe makes one 9-inch round cake or about 12 cupcakes.
For the cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
Optional toppings or fillings:
- Whipped cream
- Buttercream frosting
- Fresh berries
- Sprinkles
- Jam or fruit preserves
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients
Before you start mixing, get everything ready.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper so the cake doesn’t stick.
If you’re making cupcakes, line your muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
Next, make sure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature.
This helps the batter mix more smoothly and gives the cake a soft texture.
Measure all your ingredients so you don’t miss anything once you start.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir them together with a spoon or whisk so everything is evenly mixed.
This helps the cake rise evenly and keeps the texture light.
Set the dry ingredients aside for now.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and the sugar.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat them together for about 2–3 minutes.
The mixture should look pale and fluffy.
This step is important—it adds air to the batter, which makes the cake light and soft.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Yogurt
Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time.
Beat well after each one so everything mixes in nicely.
Then add the vanilla extract and the yogurt (or sour cream).
Mix again until the batter looks smooth and creamy.
The yogurt helps keep the cake moist and adds a little extra flavor.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now it’s time to add the flour mixture and the milk to the batter.
Add half of the dry ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined.
Then pour in the milk and mix gently.
Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix again until everything is just combined.
Don’t overmix—this can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
The final batter should be smooth and thick but not too runny.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan (or cupcake liners if using).
Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If you’re making cupcakes, start checking around 20–22 minutes.
Once baked, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then gently remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Only frost the cake when it’s completely cool so the frosting doesn’t melt.
Decorating Ideas
Now that your vanilla cake is baked and cooled, you can decorate it any way you like.
Here are a few easy ideas:
Spread a layer of buttercream frosting and top with sprinkles.
Add a layer of whipped cream and fresh berries for a light summer cake.
Slice the cake in half and spread a thin layer of jam or fruit preserves in the middle.
Dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
You can even turn this cake into a birthday cake by adding candles and writing a message with icing.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter, eggs, and milk don’t mix as well and can change the texture of the cake.
Let them sit out for 30 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overmix
Once you add the flour, mix just until the batter comes together.
Overmixing makes the cake heavy and tough.
Measure Carefully
Use the correct measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.
Too much flour or too little butter can change how the cake turns out.
Let It Cool Completely
Warm cake will melt frosting.
Always let the cake cool fully before decorating or serving.
Final Thoughts
Vanilla cake is simple, soft, and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for all kinds of celebrations—or even just a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
This recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients most people already have at home.
Whether you’re new to baking or you’ve made cakes before, this vanilla cake will turn out light, moist, and delicious every time.
So grab your bowl, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the joy of baking a homemade vanilla cake.
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh cake filling your kitchen!