Introduction
There’s something timeless about a vanilla cake—the simplicity of its flavor and the way it pairs beautifully with almost any topping or frosting. I remember when Ella chef first shared her vanilla cake recipe with me during a weekend baking session. She explained that the key to a perfect cake lies in the balance of ingredients and the love poured into the process. The warm aroma of vanilla filled the kitchen, and when we finally sliced into it, the soft, fluffy layers brought instant joy. Since then, this vanilla cake has become my go-to recipe for birthdays and celebrations.
Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 28–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Frost with buttercream and top with fresh berries.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Vanilla Cake
To make this delicious vanilla cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together one cup of softened unsalted butter and two cups of sugar until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter and helps create a light texture. Next, add four room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in one tablespoon of vanilla extract to infuse the cake with its signature flavor.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with one cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. While the cakes cool, prepare your frosting. Buttercream is a classic choice, but you can also use whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Spread frosting between the layers, then cover the entire cake with a smooth layer. For a finishing touch, top the cake with fresh berries or sprinkles for added flavor and decoration.
This cake is soft, fluffy, and versatile—it can be enjoyed as-is or used as a base for more elaborate creations like layer cakes, cupcakes, or trifles.
Conclusion
Vanilla cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Its light, fluffy crumb and rich vanilla flavor make it a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasion. Inspired by Ella chef’s passion for timeless recipes, this vanilla cake strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Whether dressed up with fruit and frosting or enjoyed plain with a cup of tea, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection. Each slice carries a sense of comfort and celebration, proving that sometimes the simplest flavors are the most unforgettable.