There’s something truly magical about baking a homemade vanilla cake. The moment you walk into your kitchen and get a whiff of that sweet, buttery aroma, it just feels like a warm hug! This homemade vanilla cake recipe is super simple and delicious, making it one of my all-time favorites. I love whipping it up for birthdays, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in. Trust me, when you slice into that fluffy, tender cake, topped with your favorite frosting, you’ll understand why it’s a classic. It’s pure happiness on a plate!
Ingredients for Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
To make this delightful homemade vanilla cake, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
These ingredients are key to creating that light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor that we all love. Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before you start; it makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare the Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this beautiful homemade vanilla cake! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our cake to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease and flour them. Don’t skip this step; it helps the cake slide right out!
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this; it makes it so light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick. Once that’s ready, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air, giving your cake a nice rise!
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, here’s the fun part: add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This will help keep your batter nice and smooth. Once everything is combined, pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà! Your homemade vanilla cake is ready for frosting or enjoying as is.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Simple: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.
- Delicious: The rich, buttery flavor of this cake is nothing short of heavenly—every bite is a delight!
- Versatile: Dress it up with frosting for celebrations or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee—it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Family favorite: Everyone loves a classic vanilla cake, making it a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success with Your Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
To ensure your homemade vanilla cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, when creaming the butter and sugar, make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This helps incorporate air for that fluffy texture we all crave. Don’t rush the mixing—give it a solid 3-5 minutes until it’s light and creamy!
Also, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Lastly, let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
Now that you’ve baked this delightful homemade vanilla cake, it’s time to think about how to serve it! One of my favorite ways is to slather on a classic buttercream frosting. You can whip it up in no time, and its creamy sweetness complements the cake perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a chocolate ganache for a rich twist, or even a fruity cream cheese frosting for that zing!
For a simple yet elegant touch, dust a bit of powdered sugar on top or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream. This cake is also fabulous with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a steaming cup of coffee. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. Therefore, it may not be 100% accurate. Always consider checking the labels of your products for precise nutritional values to fit your dietary needs.
FAQ about Homemade Vanilla Cake Recipe
Got questions about this homemade vanilla cake recipe? I’ve got answers! First off, can I substitute the eggs? Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan version. Just remember that it might change the texture a bit!
What about storage? Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for about a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well!
And if you want to make it chocolate? Simply swap out ½ cup of flour for cocoa powder. It’s that easy! Enjoy your baking adventures!
Homemade vanilla cake recipe: 5 tips for pure delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade vanilla cake recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- You can frost with your favorite icing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: homemade vanilla cake recipe