Description
This Best Vanilla Cake from Scratch is soft, fluffy, and filled with rich vanilla flavor. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or everyday baking, this simple recipe creates a moist and tender cake every time.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups (270g) All-purpose flour, sifted
2 tsp (8g) Baking powder
½ tsp (2g) Salt
1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) Brown sugar, packed
½ cup (170g) Unsalted butter, softened
3 large Eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp (15ml) Pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) Whole milk, room temperature
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan (or two 6-inch pans for layers) with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl and set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding 1/3 of the flour mixture with ½ of the milk, repeating until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Notes
Add citrus zest or almond extract for flavor twists.
Pair with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream.
Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg