Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe will become your go-to for any celebration or sweet craving. It's light, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:04:20.486Z

There's nothing quite like a slice of homemade vanilla cake to brighten your day. This recipe is beloved for its simplicity and deliciousness. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich vanilla flavor that delights the senses
  • Fluffy texture that stays moist for days
  • Versatile base for any frosting or filling

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this Moist Vanilla Cake is the ideal choice. Its delightful flavor and light texture make it versatile enough to fit any event. You can easily dress it up with colorful frosting and decorations for a festive occasion or enjoy it plain with a cup of tea for a simple afternoon treat.

One of the best aspects of this vanilla cake is its ability to pair well with a myriad of toppings. From chocolate ganache to fresh fruit or whipped cream, you can customize it to suit your taste, making it a favorite in every household. This adaptability means that you can serve it year-round, regardless of the season.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect rise and texture in your vanilla cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This includes the eggs, butter, and milk. Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter; once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture.

Another crucial tip is to properly measure your flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents your cake from becoming too dry or dense, ensuring that you maintain that sought-after moistness.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, which can extend its life up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to serve, consider warming individual slices slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This enhances the buttery flavor and moistness, making it even more enjoyable. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious vanilla cake:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for a smooth baking process!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your moist vanilla cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once your cake has cooled, you can frost it with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain!

Why Vanilla?

Vanilla is often dubbed the 'queen of flavors' for good reason. It has a unique ability to enhance sweetness without overpowering other flavors. This makes it a beloved choice in a variety of desserts, from cakes to ice creams. The complexity of natural vanilla extract adds depth to your cake, ensuring that each bite is aromatic and satisfying.

Using pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla can make a significant difference in taste. Pure vanilla is derived from real vanilla beans, providing a richer flavor profile that elevates your baking. Investing in high-quality vanilla can transform your cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Customization Ideas

One of the joys of baking a vanilla cake is the opportunity for customization. You can easily adapt this recipe to create a chocolate version by replacing a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. Alternatively, consider infusing the batter with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a refreshing twist.

For those who love a little crunch, incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans can add texture and flavor. You can also fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit to create a more decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this cake your own every time you bake it.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will give a lighter texture, but make sure to adjust the amount slightly.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

→ What frosting goes well with vanilla cake?

Classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a fruit glaze pairs beautifully with vanilla cake.

Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe

This Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe will become your go-to for any celebration or sweet craving. It's light, fluffy, and bursting with rich vanilla flavor.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  3. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 cup milk
  5. 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. ½ teaspoon salt
  8. 3 large eggs

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.

Step 06

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g