Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe

Name: Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
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; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the delightful taste of a light and fluffy vanilla cake that is perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T14:54:20.288Z

This Moist Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that brings smiles to faces at birthdays, celebrations, or simply as an indulgent treat. Its rich flavor comes from high-quality vanilla and the perfect balance of butter and sugar.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Deliciously fragrant vanilla flavor
Versatile for any occasion, from birthdays to tea time

      

The Perfect Vanilla Cake for Every Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this moist vanilla cake is an excellent choice. Its fluffy texture and delightful vanilla aroma make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests begging for seconds. This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed as is, or you can elevate it with your favorite fruits or chocolate for a unique twist.

One of the best things about this vanilla cake is its adaptability. You can easily dress it up with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch or pair it with seasonal fruits for a refreshing dessert. It also serves as a perfect base for layered cakes, allowing you to get creative with fillings and frostings. This cake truly shines in its ability to fit any occasion.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your vanilla cake turns out perfectly every time, measuring your ingredients accurately is essential. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, as too much can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar, which will help achieve that light, airy texture.

Another vital tip is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Mixing just until combined will help maintain that lovely fluffiness. Finally, keep an eye on your cakes while they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cakes are ready!

Storing and Serving Your Vanilla Cake

Once your vanilla cake is baked and frosted, you may want to know the best way to store it. If you have leftovers, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted layers for up to three months, making it easy to bake ahead and decorate later.

When serving, consider pairing your vanilla cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache can add a beautiful presentation and enhance the overall flavor. Whether enjoyed alone or with accompaniments, this vanilla cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake

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

For the Vanilla Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

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 flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with vanilla frosting as desired.

For best results, allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes after frosting before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about this moist vanilla cake recipe is whether it can be made in advance. Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to frost and serve. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them to prevent condensation.

Another concern is the use of baking powder. If your cake doesn't rise as expected, ensure that your baking powder is fresh. An easy way to test its potency is to mix a teaspoon with a bit of vinegar; if it bubbles vigorously, it's good to use.

Personalizing Your Vanilla Cake

This vanilla cake recipe serves as a fantastic base for various flavor combinations. You might consider adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist or almond extract to enhance the vanilla flavor. Additionally, incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the batter can provide delightful surprises in every bite.

For a fun and colorful presentation, try using different colored frosting or sprinkles. You can even create a themed cake for special occasions by choosing colors and decorations that match the celebration. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a staple in your baking repertoire.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, cake flour will give you a lighter texture, but ensure to adjust the measurements accordingly.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.