There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a freshly baked cake wafting through your home. It instantly evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a quiet afternoon craving, a homemade cake always hits the spot. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious!
Today, we’re sharing a timeless recipe for a classic vanilla cake that is as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, delivering a light, fluffy, and incredibly moist crumb every single time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a cake that tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery, but with all the love of a homemade treat. Let’s get baking!
PrintClassic Vanilla Cake
A light and fluffy vanilla cake, perfect for any celebration or a sweet everyday treat.
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The cakes should be lightly golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cake layers to cool entirely before frosting.
- Once cooled, frost with your favorite vanilla buttercream or other frosting and enjoy your delicious cake!
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes