Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe (Beginner Friendly!) – Desire Luxe

Introduction

Few desserts bring as much comfort and universal appeal as a classic vanilla cake. This Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe is designed for the beginner baker—it’s straightforward, uses staple pantry ingredients, and delivers a soft, fluffy result every single time. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a casual get-together, or simply want a homemade treat, this cake is an easy crowd-pleaser with its rich vanilla flavor and tender crumb.

Why This Simple Vanilla Cake Stands Out

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Pure vanilla extract infuses each bite with a luscious, aromatic warmth, and the uncomplicated steps mean you won’t feel overwhelmed, even if it’s your first cake. This is a recipe that’s as reliable as it is delicious, striking the perfect balance between minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Building Flavor in Your Vanilla Cake

Quality vanilla is the star of this recipe, so use pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for a deluxe touch) to achieve an irresistible fragrance and depth. For a moist crumb, the combination of softened butter and a splash of milk works wonders. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even batter—and avoid overmixing for a delicate texture.

Decorating and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled, this cake is a blank canvas for your favorite toppings: dust with powdered sugar, spread with a simple buttercream, or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream. The classic vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate, fruit, or citrus flavors, so feel free to get creative!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

One 8-inch round cake yields about 8 to 10 slices. Each slice typically contains approximately 250–280 calories, depending on your chosen frosting or toppings.

Easy, Beginner-Friendly Vanilla Cake (Recap)

This vanilla cake’s irresistible flavor, fluffy crumb, and effortless preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a no-fail standby, this cake delivers every time.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a shopping list with all ingredients neatly sorted by store section—perfect for streamlined grocery runs and effortless meal planning!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or top with your favorite frosting and serve.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe is an ideal candidate for weekly or event meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your baking days, organize your schedule, and consolidate your shopping list with any other meals or treats you plan to prepare.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically combines all your scheduled recipes’ ingredients
• Sorts your shopping list by grocery department
• Prevents duplicates and missed items
• Streamlines your weekly baking and cooking routine

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes to see total ingredient needs for the week—especially handy if cakes, brownies, or cookies share staple ingredients like eggs and sugar, minimizing waste and surprise shortages!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Enjoy your delightfully Simple Vanilla Cake—perfect for beginners, and perfect for sharing!