Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe

Name: Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

This Moist Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Its tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor will leave everyone wanting more.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:46:20.715Z

This Moist Vanilla Cake has been a family favorite for generations. It’s simple to make and always brings smiles to the table.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich vanilla flavor that everyone adores
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Easily customizable with your favorite frosting or toppings

      

The Perfect Celebration Cake

This Moist Vanilla Cake is the quintessential choice for birthdays, weddings, or any festive gathering. Its classic flavor profile appeals to both children and adults, making it a versatile dessert for any event. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a family get-together, this cake will leave a lasting impression.

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. A well-decorated vanilla cake can be the centerpiece of your celebration, inviting guests to indulge in its soft, fluffy layers.

Customizing Your Cake

One of the best aspects of this Moist Vanilla Cake is its adaptability. You can easily modify the flavor by adding citrus zest, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. Feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut to create a cake that perfectly suits your taste.

When it comes to toppings, the options are virtually limitless. From classic buttercream frosting to a light whipped cream or even a fruit glaze, each choice can enhance the cake's flavor. You can also add fresh fruits, nuts, or sprinkles for a fun, festive look that will delight everyone.

Storing and Serving Tips

To ensure your Moist Vanilla Cake stays fresh and delicious, it's essential to store it properly. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it for a longer period, consider refrigerating it, although this may affect its fluffy texture.

When serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. You can serve it plain, with a side of whipped cream, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful treat any time of day.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Prepare Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.

Enjoy your delicious moist vanilla cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake closer to serving time to maintain its freshness.

What can I do if my cake is too dry? If you find that your cake has turned out dry, consider brushing it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This will help to moisten the cake and enhance the flavor.

Baking Tips for Success

Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps create a more uniform batter, leading to a tender and fluffy cake. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking and a denser texture.

Be mindful not to overmix your batter. Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake rather than the desired soft crumb.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using cake flour will yield a lighter texture.

→ How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?

You can add lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile.