Description
This Homemade Vanilla Cake is a classic, moist, and fluffy dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and whole milk, it delivers a rich vanilla flavor and tender crumb. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat, this cake is easy to prepare and bake in about 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined without overmixing.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the batter into an even layer on top.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before applying frosting or serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick to avoid under or overbaking.
- This recipe yields two 9-inch round cakes, perfect for layering and decorating as desired.
- For a lighter cake, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or almond milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
