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Simple Vanilla Cake: Easy Classic Dessert
Easy vanilla cake recipe: simple steps, few ingredients, tender crumb, and optional frosting.
Why this recipe works
A simple vanilla cake you can bake for birthdays, tea time, or anytime you want a reliable classic. This recipe suits beginners and anyone needing a straightforward, no-fuss dessert.
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Key takeaways
1 bowl to mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients
Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender
Let fully cooled before frosting or dusting
Recipe guide
A simple vanilla cake you can bake for birthdays, tea time, or anytime you want a reliable classic. This recipe suits beginners and anyone needing a straightforward, no-fuss dessert.
A reliable vanilla cake you can bake with confidence.
- 1 bowl to mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients
- Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender
- Let fully cooled before frosting or dusting
Overview
A straightforward vanilla cake batter uses common pantry items. It’s ideal for beginners and adaptable for frosting or toppings.
How to Make
Sift dry ingredients. Beat sugar with eggs until pale. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar or apply your favorite frosting. Slice and serve with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 200 gram all-purpose flour
- 150 gram granulated sugar
- 3 each large eggs
- 120 ml milk
- 100 gram unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease or line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl to combine.
- Beat sugar and eggs together until pale and slightly thickened.
- Stir melted butter, milk, and vanilla into the egg mixture until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar or frost once fully cooled before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter or oil; check that the vanilla is dairy-free.
How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes. Pour into lined muffin cups and bake about 18–20 minutes, checking for doneness.