Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a true showstopper that’s delightfully simple, fluffy, and packed with classic flavor, you can’t beat this Homemade Vanilla Cake. Every bite embodies that nostalgic taste of birthday parties and special celebrations, with a tender, buttery crumb and layers that pair beautifully with all your favorite frostings. This cake brings pure joy to your kitchen, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just because.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Homemade Vanilla Cake unbeatable is its combination of pantry staples chosen with care. Each ingredient is essential for creating the perfect balance between sweetness and richness, helping the cake to rise tall and turn out moist with a golden edge every single time.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the layers rise evenly, ensuring a fluffy, light texture.
• Salt: Just a touch to enhance the vanilla flavor and balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and classic flavor, plus the creaming makes the cake airy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps to create that signature soft, tender texture.
• Large eggs: Give the cake structure and moisture while contributing a golden hue.
• Pure vanilla extract: The star of the show for a warm, aromatic kick that makes homemade cakes irresistible.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and smooth, helping the batter blend beautifully.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This small detail makes all the difference when it’s time to remove your Homemade Vanilla Cake—there’s nothing better than flawless, intact layers.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them ahead ensures that every slice will bake up evenly, with perfect lift and a consistent crumb throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar. Aim for a mixture that’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where you create the cake’s signature airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once the eggs are in, mix in the pure vanilla extract for that beautiful aroma and taste that defines a Homemade Vanilla Cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk, and begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—overmixing can make the cake dense rather than tender.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops for an even rise. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Cool them completely before you frost, fill, or decorate. This patience yields neat, beautiful layers and makes your Homemade Vanilla Cake a breeze to assemble.

How to Serve Homemade Vanilla Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a few edible flowers all make gorgeous, simple garnishes for your Homemade Vanilla Cake. If you’d like extra flair, finish with a swirl of classic buttercream or a glossy drip of ganache for something extra decadent.

Side Dishes

Serve thin slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fresh fruit salad. The gentle flavor of this cake also pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a touch of nostalgia.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake isn’t limited to stacking layers! Try cutting it into little cubes for dessert parfaits, slicing it thin for trifles, or using cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids’ parties. Homemade Vanilla Cake is as versatile as it is delicious, making every serving look and feel like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Vanilla Cake keeps its soft texture if you wrap slices or layers well with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for two days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge, but bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the layers cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Homemade Vanilla Cake can be frozen for up to two months. Simply thaw wrapped layers at room temperature before assembling or serving.

Reheating

If you’d like to refresh your cake, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-12 seconds. This gently warms it, reviving the soft crumb without drying it out—almost like it’s just come out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Absolutely! This Homemade Vanilla Cake batter works perfectly for cupcakes. Fill lined muffin tins two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched.

What type Dessert

Any frosting you love goes with Homemade Vanilla Cake! Classic vanilla or chocolate buttercream is always a hit, but this cake also shines with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or a tangy fruit filling layered between.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute your favorite plant-based butter and unsweetened non-dairy milk for a delicious dairy-free result. Just make sure the replacements are unsweetened and neutral in flavor to let the vanilla stand out.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Be sure not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Wrapping the cake while it’s slightly warm helps lock in moisture, and you can even brush cooled layers with a simple syrup for extra tenderness if you’d like.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

Dense cakes often happen from overmixing or not using fresh baking powder. Measure carefully and mix only until the ingredients are combined. Double-check your baking powder’s expiration date for the fluffiest Homemade Vanilla Cake.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Homemade Vanilla Cake is one of those little joys that brings people together and makes any day feel special. If you’ve never baked one from scratch, now’s the time to give it a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create the most memorable, crowd-pleasing dessert. Enjoy every slice—you’ve earned it!

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