There’s something about a simple Vanilla Cake that feels both timeless and comforting. This recipe is all about achieving a light, airy texture with a perfect balance of sweetness. It’s the kind of cake that can stand on its own or be dressed up with any number of toppings—making it a versatile base for any celebration or just a sweet treat when you need it most.
While the cake is delicious on its own, I love to pair it with a spoonful of Lemon Curd to add a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness. The smooth and tart lemon curd brings an unexpected burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate cake. For a more filling option, Protein Oatmeal Cookies make the perfect companion to the cake, offering a hearty and wholesome side that balances the sweetness while adding a satisfying crunch.
This Vanilla Cake Recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply because you’re craving something sweet. It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Simple Yet Perfect: The soft, fluffy texture of the cake makes it a classic, no-fail dessert that you’ll love every time.
- Quick & Easy: It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, family dinners, or just a sweet treat to enjoy during the week.
Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch cake tin
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Table knife
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for greasing
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour more as needed
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 pinches salt
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake tin with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Add eggs, milk, and vegetable oil, then mix by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add more flour if the batter is too runny.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Tips to Make Your Day!
- Sifting the Dry Ingredients: Sifting your flour, sugar, and baking powder together before mixing with the wet ingredients helps ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents, leading to a lighter cake texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs, milk, and vegetable oil are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly into the batter and prevents any lumps.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the batter is smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to a denser cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from overbaking.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done, but ensure it comes out clean without any wet batter. A few moist crumbs are fine, but you want to avoid any batter sticking to the toothpick.
- Cooling Tip: After inverting the cake, let it cool completely before slicing. If you attempt to cut it while still warm, it may be more prone to falling apart.
- Flour Adjustments: If your batter seems too runny, gradually add more flour, but be careful not to add too much at once. It’s better to add in small increments to achieve the right consistency.
- Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients to enhance the flavor, or even substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different twist.
- Even Baking: To ensure the cake bakes evenly, make sure your oven rack is placed in the middle of the oven, allowing the heat to circulate around the cake evenly.
- Serving Tip: For an added touch, frost or serve your cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to elevate its flavor and presentation.
