The Quintessential Homemade Vanilla Cake

The Quintessential Homemade Vanilla Cake A Classic Recipe

By Chef BakerJuly 9, 2025Updated: July 8, 2025

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4.82 (11 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of heaven? Are you looking for the perfect homemade vanilla cake recipe ? Honestly, who isn't? This classic vanilla cake recipe will make you think you're back in your childhood, eating a cake made by your grandma.

The key flavor here is, of course, vanilla, but it’s the super moist crumb that really sets this apart.

Brief Overview

This style of cake has roots in home baking and good old-fashioned comfort. A simple vanilla cake recipe with cake flour it is sure to impress.

It is a medium difficulty bake, taking about an hour, plus cooling time. This vanilla cake recipe makes about 10-12 servings, perfect for sharing or not!

Main Benefits

One reason this recipe is so beloved? It’s the joy it brings and it is perfect Recipe Birthday Cake or an every day occasion.

This moist vanilla cake recipe brings all the feels. The buttery, soft texture is something special and is very easy to bake in your own kitchen!

Time to Bake!

So, you are probably asking yourself How To Bake Vanilla Cake , and what makes this particular recipe so special? You know, I’ve tried so many different vanilla cake recipes and I have finally find the perfect one! The secret lies in the buttermilk and the vegetable oil, which keeps the cake incredibly moist.

We are going to get a Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe by the end of this adventure.

What You'll Need

The Quintessential Homemade Vanilla Cake presentation

Let's be honest. No fancy stuff here. This is a easy vanilla cake from scratch sort of deal. Just your basic ingredients, plus a few extras to make it extra lush! We are also going to cover the best cream recipes for cake .

Let's do it!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Your Homemade Vanilla Cake

Right, so you wanna bake a top-notch homemade vanilla cake ? Ace! It all starts with the right ingredients and a few trusty tools.

This isn't some fancy pants patisserie creation. It's real baking! You know? The kind that makes your kitchen smell amazing! Let's dive in, shall we?

The Cake's Foundation: Essential Ingredients

These are the bits that make the cake vanilla recipe sing. Trust me, it's worth getting decent quality stuff.

All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g). Plain flour will do the trick. Cake Flour will make it extra light! You can call it Vanilla Cake Recipe With Cake Flour.
Baking Powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons. Make sure it's fresh, otherwise, your cake won't rise properly.
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. A touch of this helps with that perfect golden brown colour.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks/227g), softened. Honestly, good butter makes a huge difference.
Granulated Sugar: 1 3/4 cups (350g). Don't skimp, but don't go overboard either.
Large Eggs: 2 . Get 'em at room temperature!
Egg White: 1 . Helps keep the cake fluffy.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon . Splash out on good vanilla - it makes a world of difference to the cake!
Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml), room temperature. Trust me on this. It makes the cake super moist.
Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml). Light oil works great!

Quality Counts: The butter and vanilla extract are key. Proper stuff is so important for a great classic vanilla cake recipe .

Seasoning & Flavor Boosters

Time for the extras that really make it special.

Vanilla, Vanilla, Vanilla: I can't stress this enough. Use real vanilla extract! It has a deeper, more complex flavour than the artificial stuff.
A Pinch of Sea Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavours.
Aromatics: Some people add a touch of almond extract. It's a great flavour.

Tool Time: What You'll Need

Don't worry, you don't need a kitchen like a Michelin star chef for a cake vanilla recipe . These are the essentials.

Two 9 inch Round Cake Pans. Don't have those? One pan might do, but you will want a smaller Recipe Birthday Cake .
Parchment Paper. Stops the cake from sticking, honest!
Electric Mixer. Stand mixer or hand mixer. If you have neither, a good old whisk and some elbow grease.
Mixing Bowls. Different sizes are always handy.
Rubber Spatula. For scraping down the sides.
Wire Rack. Let the cakes cool properly!
Offset Spatula. For frosting, but a butter knife will do in a pinch!

That's it! Nothing too scary, right? Now you're ready to get baking this best vanilla cake recipe ! Next up, we'll go through the step-by-step, and I'll share some tips for making sure your moist vanilla cake recipe is a total winner! Good luck, and happy baking!

Don't forget the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe and Cream Recipes For Cake for the top!

The Quintessential Homemade Vanilla Cake: Let's Bake!

Honestly, is there anything better than a slice of moist homemade vanilla cake ? It's pure comfort food! This classic vanilla cake recipe is one I've tweaked over the years.

It's my go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or just a Sunday treat.

Prep Like a Pro!

Getting your ducks in a row is vital. This is called mise en place , darling.

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temp. I can't stress this enough! It makes a massive difference.

Measure out all your ingredients before you start. It prevents that, "Oh my gosh, where's the baking soda?" moment.

step-by-step to Vanilla Perfection

Ready to bake the best vanilla cake recipe ever? Here's how.

Heat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour two 9 inch pans. Line with parchment paper.
Whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until fluffy.
Beat in 2 eggs and 1 egg white, one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with 1 cup buttermilk and 1/2 cup oil. Start and end with dry. Mix gently.
Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean!
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then cool completely on wire racks.
Make that delicious vanilla buttercream frosting recipe : Beat 1 cup butter until fluffy, gradually add 3 cups sugar, then add 1/4 cup cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Slather that cream recipes for cake frosting all over your cooled cake. Chill before serving.

Pro Tips for a Brilliant Bake

Don't overmix your batter! It leads to a tough cake.
If your oven isn't accurate, get an oven thermometer!
Want a moist vanilla cake recipe ? Buttermilk is your secret weapon!
Use cake flour for the vanilla cake recipe with cake flour , if available, for an even lighter texture.
For the Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe make the cake layers a day ahead and store them, well wrapped, at room temperature or in the fridge. This actually improves the texture and makes frosting easier!

So there you have it. A foolproof homemade vanilla cake recipe. Perfect for any recipe birthday cake ! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Bake

Right then, let's chat about some extras to ensure your homemade vanilla cake turns out brilliant! These are the little things that make all the difference, honestly.

We want to make the perfect Recipe Birthday Cake every time!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy!

Okay, so your classic vanilla cake recipe is out of the oven. Time to make it look proper posh. Plating matters! A simple dusting of icing sugar is always elegant.

You know? Or get creative with fresh berries. Strawberries and raspberries look gorgeous. Wanna be extra? A cheeky dollop of cream on the side never hurts.

And what about a nice cup of tea to go with it? Earl Grey, naturally. Presentation is everything.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Right, you've got some cake left over, amazing! Wrap it up tight in cling film. You could also use a container to protect your moist vanilla cake recipe .

Pop it in the fridge. It'll happily keep for about three days. Fancy making it last longer? Cut the cake into slices, wrap each slice individually.

Bung 'em in the freezer! It will last for up to three months. When you want a piece, just let it defrost fully before scoffing.

Nobody wants freezer burn.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a twist on the vanilla cake recipe with cake flour ? Easy peasy. For a summery vibe, swap the vanilla extract for lemon zest.

Adds a bit of zing. Feeling chocolatey? Fold in some chocolate chips. You could also try adding some lemon flavour to make it a zingy lemon cake vanilla recipe.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's be real. This best vanilla cake recipe isn't exactly a health food, but it does have some upsides.

Eggs bring protein, and you're getting some calcium from the dairy. Just remember everything in moderation. A small slice won't hurt.

You've deserved it, haven't you?

Honestly, how to bake vanilla cake is easier than you might think. With these tips, you're on your way to baking a show stopping cake.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe or other cream recipes for cake ? Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Baking should be fun, you know? And remember, practice makes perfect.

So, off you pop and make this amazing easy vanilla cake from scratch!

Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe The Ultimate Baking Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my homemade vanilla cake turn out dense instead of light and fluffy? Sounds a bit like a lead balloon!

A dense cake is often caused by overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy, and then mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh, as they are key for that delightful rise we all crave!

Can I make this homemade vanilla cake recipe ahead of time? I'm trying to be a savvy cook like Delia Smith!

Absolutely! The baked cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature and re-whip it before using.

What's the best way to get a really strong vanilla flavor in my homemade vanilla cake? I want that proper vanilla punch!

Using a high-quality pure vanilla extract is crucial! Also, consider adding vanilla bean paste or scraping the seeds from a vanilla bean directly into the batter and frosting. You can also experiment with vanilla sugar, and don't be shy with the vanilla extract amount.

Is there anything I can substitute for buttermilk in this homemade vanilla cake? I'm all out, old chap!

No worries, a great substitute is to make your own "buttermilk." Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly, and then use it in the recipe. It works like a charm!

How should I store leftover homemade vanilla cake? I want to keep it scrummy for as long as possible!

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake, but it may dry out slightly. To combat this, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. You can also freeze the cake, well wrapped, for up to 2 months.