Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe

Name: Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes

Indulge in the light and fluffy texture of this Moist Vanilla Cake, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:52:20.441Z

This Moist Vanilla Cake is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. With its rich vanilla flavor and soft crumb, it's bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously rich vanilla flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth
Soft and moist texture that stays fresh for days
Versatile cake perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just a sweet treat

      

The Perfect Cake for Any Celebration

This Moist Vanilla Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it's also a visual delight. Its smooth, creamy frosting and fluffy texture make it a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a wedding, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Plus, with its versatile flavor, you can easily customize it with various fillings or toppings to suit any occasion.

What sets this cake apart is its ability to stay moist and flavorful for days. Many cakes tend to dry out quickly, but with this recipe, you can enjoy its delightful texture even on the second or third day. The combination of butter and milk in the batter ensures that every slice remains soft and delectable, making it a fantastic option for those who like to bake ahead of time.

Tips for Baking Success

For the best results, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale if possible to ensure precision, especially with flour and sugar. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, which will help create that light and fluffy texture you desire.

Another crucial tip is to avoid overmixing your batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is the opposite of what we want. Mix just until combined, and you’ll enjoy a perfectly airy cake that rises beautifully in the oven. Don’t forget to check your cakes for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.

Serving and Storing Your Cake

Once your cake is frosted and ready to serve, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The rich vanilla flavor of the cake complements the sweetness of berries or the creaminess of ice cream, creating a delightful dessert experience. This cake also works wonderfully as a base for layered desserts or trifles, where you can incorporate different flavors and textures.

If you have leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve freshness. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the layers in the fridge overnight and frost as desired.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar 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 butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream. Mix until fluffy and smooth.

Frost the Cake

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

Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question is, 'Can I use a different type of flour?' While all-purpose flour is recommended for its balanced texture, you can experiment with cake flour for an even lighter cake. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the measurements slightly. Additionally, if you prefer a gluten-free option, gluten-free all-purpose flour can also work, but ensure it contains a binding agent such as xanthan gum.

Another question often asked is, 'Can I add flavors to the cake?' Absolutely! This vanilla cake serves as a fantastic base for various flavors. You can incorporate citrus zest, almond extract, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Just remember to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.

Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to pairing drinks with your Moist Vanilla Cake, consider serving it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of milk. The warmth of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, making for a cozy dessert experience. For a festive touch, you might also enjoy it with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

If you’re looking to elevate your dessert further, consider serving it with a warm berry compote. The tartness of the berries contrasts wonderfully with the sweet vanilla cake and adds a vibrant pop of color to your dessert plate. You can easily make a berry compote by simmering mixed berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a saucy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but the cake may be denser with whole wheat flour.

→ How should I store the cake?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

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

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.