There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked vanilla cake filling your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with that warm vanilla goodness, it’s the kind of treat that makes any day brighter. The best part? You don’t need a boxed mix—just a few simple ingredients and the right steps.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a weekend treat, or just because, this guide will walk you through exactly how to bake the perfect fluffy vanilla cake from scratch.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, let’s make sure your pantry is stocked. Quality ingredients make a huge difference in taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Tip: Always use room-temperature eggs and butter—this helps the batter mix smoothly and results in a lighter cake.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper for easy release).
Doing this early ensures your batter goes straight into a hot oven, which helps your cake rise beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Why is this important? Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake that soft, pillowy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet, fragrant aroma.
At this stage, your batter will start to look silky and smooth—exactly what you want.
Step 4: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add this mixture to your wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk.
- Start with flour, then milk, then repeat until everything is combined.
- Mix gently—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.
- Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Frosting and Finishing Touches
Now comes the fun part—decorating! You can keep it classic with a vanilla buttercream or go bold with chocolate frosting. Here’s a simple option:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. Frost once the cakes are completely cool to prevent melting.
Tips for the Fluffiest Cake Ever
- Don’t rush the creaming step. More air = lighter cake.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Avoid opening the oven early. Sudden temperature drops can cause sinking.
- Cool completely before frosting. Warm cake + frosting = a slippery mess.
Final Takeaway
And there you have it—a homemade vanilla cake that’s light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon.
Save this recipe for later—you’ll want to come back to it again and again!
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