Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet slice of comfort that feels like a celebration every time, you’ll fall instantly in love with this Homemade Vanilla Cake. With its tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and the irresistible scent of pure vanilla, this cake becomes an instant classic—no special occasion necessary! Whether you dress it up with a silky buttercream or serve it plain, every bite delivers nostalgia and joy. Trust me, few things compare to the satisfaction of making your own Homemade Vanilla Cake from scratch.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a memorable Homemade Vanilla Cake starts with simple, everyday staples that you probably already have in your pantry. Each ingredient adds something special—tenderness, lift, or signature flavor—coming together to create a dessert everyone will ask for again and again.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of texture, providing structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully for that fluffy, cloud-like crumb.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance every other flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened: The secret to richness and a delicate, moist bite—make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, airy texture in combination with butter.
• Large eggs: These provide structure and help the cake bind together while adding lovely richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: The star of the show—don’t skimp! Real vanilla gives this cake its dreamy aroma and flavor.
• Whole milk: Moistens the batter and guarantees each bite is perfectly tender.
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and plenty of moistness, keeping your cake from ever tasting dry.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your two 9-inch cake pans some love! Butter them generously, dust with flour, or line with parchment rounds. This prevents any heartbreaking sticking and ensures neat, beautiful layers straight from the pans.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Doing this evenly distributes the leavening and salt, so your Homemade Vanilla Cake bakes up golden and perfect from edge to center.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the mixture to be fluffy and pale—this step is key for a light, melt-in-your-mouth cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a silky, homogenous batter. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter starting to smell absolutely amazing!

Step 5: Combine Milk and Sour Cream

In a separate bowl, stir together the whole milk and sour cream. This dynamic duo ensures your Homemade Vanilla Cake is deliciously moist with a subtle, tangy undertone that keeps you reaching for another slice.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

With your mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk-sour cream mixture to the creamed batter, starting and ending with the flour. Only mix until everything’s just combined—it’s the secret to a tender crumb, so don’t overmix!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans and gently smooth the tops. Bake on the center rack for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely—resist the urge to frost too soon!

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Garnishes

Classic Homemade Vanilla Cake practically begs for a finishing touch. Swirl on luscious vanilla buttercream, scatter fresh berries over the top, or dust with a cloud of powdered sugar. For a bit of sparkle, try edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate—simple or stunning, you can’t go wrong!

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream (strawberry or chocolate are always a hit). For special occasions, serve with a medley of fresh fruit or a tangy berry compote to balance the rich sweetness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Homemade Vanilla Cake into individual trifles by layering cubes with whipped cream and fruit in pretty glasses. Or, bake the batter in cupcake liners for easy party-perfect treats. For a whimsical twist, try cutting cooled layers with cookie cutters and stacking mini layer cakes for an adorable dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Homemade Vanilla Cake extra fresh by storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop leftovers in the fridge for up to four days—just be sure they’re well wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the layers at room temperature (still wrapped) before decorating or serving, and they’ll taste just-baked.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, zap individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until just soft; this brings back that just-baked feel and makes frosted cake extra dreamy. Avoid overheating, especially if your cake has a delicate buttercream topping, to keep everything luscious and fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Vanilla Cake as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll have perfectly fluffy, personal-sized cakes ready to dress up for any occasion.

How do I keep my vanilla cake moist?

The secret is the combination of whole milk and sour cream in the batter—each adds different types of moisture, while proper storage (well-wrapped and at room temperature) locks in freshness. Avoid overbaking for the most tender, moist crumb.

What’s the best frosting for Homemade Vanilla Cake?

Classic vanilla buttercream is always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also go with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or lemon curd between layers make it extra special!

Can I use low-fat milk or yogurt instead of whole milk and sour cream?

You can use low-fat substitutes, but the cake may turn out slightly less tender and rich. For best results and classic Homemade Vanilla Cake flavor, stick with whole milk and real sour cream when possible.

Do I need to sift the flour?

While not strictly necessary, sifting the flour can give you a lighter cake by breaking up any clumps and aerating your dry ingredients. If you want the softest, fluffiest result, go ahead and sift!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to win over family and friends (and maybe yourself!) with a perfect bake, you’ll absolutely adore this Homemade Vanilla Cake. It’s a wonderful blend of simplicity and indulgence, and nothing beats the comforting aroma wafting from your oven. Give it a try and let every bite bring a little extra happiness to your day!

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