The best Vanilla Cake Recipe at home; Moist and Fluffy
Are you on the hunt for the best vanilla cake recipe that delivers a moist, fluffy, and perfectly baked cake every single time? Look no further! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this classic vanilla cake is foolproof, and it’s sure to become your go-to recipe for any occasion—be it a birthday, celebration, or a simple dessert craving.

Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for the perfect structure)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder (to make it light and fluffy)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, moist texture)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (for the ideal sweetness)
- 4 large eggs (for richness and structure)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for that irresistible vanilla flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk (for a soft, tender crumb)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mix aside. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, helping your cake rise perfectly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating a soft and airy cake.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will bring a rich, natural flavor to your cake.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them, mixing gently after each addition. This helps the batter stay light and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pans.
Cool and Decorate: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting—be it creamy buttercream, rich chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for the Best Vanilla Cake:
- Room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and a light texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a fluffy finish.
- Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting helps to prevent lumps and ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Add flavor variations: Want to take your vanilla cake to the next level? Add a splash of almond extract, citrus zest, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a twist.
Why This is the Best Vanilla Cake Recipe:
This moist, fluffy vanilla cake is perfect for any celebration or as an everyday treat. It’s not only easy to make, but it also stays fresh for days, maintaining its soft texture and incredible flavor. With just the right balance of sweetness and a light crumb, this vanilla cake will win over anyone who takes a bite.
Whether you choose to enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite frosting, this cake is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe.