Quick Easy Vanilla Cake

Name: Quick Easy Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk

Highlighted under: FlashCook Meals Fast & Simple

This Quick Easy Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that can be whipped up in no time. Perfect for any occasion, it's light, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor. Enjoy it plain or dressed up with your favorite frosting!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:22:20.461Z

This Quick Easy Vanilla Cake has been a family favorite for generations. Its simplicity allows for creativity, whether you want to add fruits, chocolate chips, or even a layer of frosting. Enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea or serve it at gatherings!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy texture that's easy to make
Versatile base for various toppings and fillings
Perfect for both casual and special occasions

      

The Perfect Vanilla Cake for Any Occasion

This Quick Easy Vanilla Cake is a versatile dessert that suits any event, whether it's a birthday party, a casual family gathering, or a simple afternoon tea. Its delightful flavor and simple preparation make it a favorite among bakers of all skill levels. With its light and fluffy texture, this cake serves as a perfect centerpiece for any celebration, easily appealing to both children and adults alike.

One of the best features of this vanilla cake is its adaptability. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or you can dress it up with various frostings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. From chocolate ganache to fresh fruit or whipped cream, the options are endless, allowing you to customize it for any occasion.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Quick Easy Vanilla Cake turns out perfectly every time, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps the butter and sugar cream together smoothly, resulting in a light and airy cake. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; mixing until just combined will help maintain that fluffy texture.

Another important tip is to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as many ovens can be off by a few degrees. Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the ideal rise and crumb texture. Once baked, allow the cake to cool properly before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful presentation.

Storing and Serving Your Cake

Once your Quick Easy Vanilla Cake is completely cooled, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. For extended storage, you can freeze the cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to three months.

When serving, consider adding a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside your cake for an extra special treat. You can also serve it with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added flavor. No matter how you choose to serve it, this vanilla cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For Frosting (optional)

2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Mix and match your ingredients to create a unique flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cool, frost with your favorite frosting if desired.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're new to baking, you might wonder about the best way to measure flour. It's essential to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting, ensuring you don't end up with a dense cake. Remember, accurate measurements are key to baking success!

Another common question is about substitutions. If you're out of eggs, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and a plant-based butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Easy Vanilla Cake pairs wonderfully with fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Their natural sweetness complements the cake's vanilla flavor beautifully and adds a refreshing touch, especially during warmer months. You can also serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.

For a special twist, consider layering the cake with fruit preserves or custard between the layers if you decide to bake a larger version. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal, making it a stunning dessert for gatherings or celebrations.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, you can substitute cake flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

→ Can I add fruits to this cake?

Absolutely! You can fold in berries or sliced fruits into the batter for added flavor.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.