plain vanilla cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best plain vanilla cake recipe

I’ve been making this plain vanilla cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother, so I like to think it’s a family tradition.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner in the kitchen. You can’t go wrong with a classic vanilla flavor, and the moist texture of this cake is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

I love serving this cake at family gatherings or special occasions because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up eggs and flour that might be sitting around in your pantry.

As an added bonus, this cake is relatively healthy compared to other baked goods – it’s made with wholesome ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract. I’ve even served this cake at potlucks and picnics because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.

The key to making this cake truly special is in the technique – you have to make sure you’re using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter. This ensures that your cake will be light and fluffy, rather than dense and heavy.

Easy Plain Vanilla Cake

4.9 from 1449 votes

This classic vanilla cake is soft, moist, and bursting with vanilla flavor. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a simple afternoon treat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp whole milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6Stir in vanilla extract.
7Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
8Mix just until combined.
9Pour batter into prepared cake pan.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
11Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12To make the vanilla buttercream frosting, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy.
13Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
14Add vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating until light and fluffy.
15Once the cake is completely cool, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
16Slice and serve.
17Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9-inch round cake pan
Oven
Wire cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 39g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: To check if the cake is done, gently press the top of the cake with your finger. If it springs back, it is done. For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

This plain vanilla cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a versatile and delicious treat that can be customized to suit your tastes. It is a great option for family gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It can be easily frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead option for busy families.

It is a great dessert option for any occasion, and it can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. The cake is a classic recipe that never fails to impress. I love making this cake for my family and friends, and I know you will too. The cake is a great way to enjoy a delicious treat with your loved ones.

. This plain vanilla cake recipe is a perfect recipe for an occasion and can be served to all ages. I often use this recipe for my kids’ school events, as it’s a safe and delicious option for all kids to enjoy. It is a great dessert option for any occasion.

I have made this cake for so many birthdays, holidays, and special events. I love making this cake for my family and friends, and I know you will too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Plain Vanilla Cake

Q: What type of flour should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour. It’s a versatile flour that works well for cakes and has a neutral flavor that won’t affect the overall taste of the cake.

Q: Can I substitute the butter with oil?

No, I would not recommend substituting the butter with oil in this recipe. The butter adds a richness and tenderness to the cake that oil simply can’t replicate.

Q: How do I ensure my cake is fully cooked?

To check if your cake is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then your cake is done. If not, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by baking the cake on the day you plan to serve it and then storing it at room temperature overnight or freezing it for up to two weeks.

Q: What if I don’t have pure vanilla extract?

You can substitute pure vanilla extract with imitation vanilla extract or leave out the extract altogether if you don’t have any on hand.

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