Soft Vanilla Cake is a classic favorite that brings joy to any celebration or gathering. Its light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor make it perfect for birthdays, weddings, or even a simple family dessert. This cake is not only delicious on its own but also serves as a wonderful base for various frostings and fillings. Whether you serve it plain or with a lovely buttercream frosting, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake
Ingredients
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup cornstarch
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1⅔ cups granulated sugar
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1¼ tbsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp white vinegar
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1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
For the Frosting
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1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
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1½ tbsp milk or heavy cream
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla and vinegar.
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Add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
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Pour into pans and smooth the tops.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks.
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For the frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk; mix until smooth.
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Frost the cooled cakes and serve.
How to Serve Soft Vanilla Cake
Serve as a stand-alone dessert or pair with berries, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate. Perfect for any occasion from birthdays to afternoon tea.
How to Store Soft Vanilla Cake
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Soft Vanilla Cake
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Always use room temperature ingredients.
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Measure flour accurately.
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Don’t overmix the batter.
Variation
Add almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla, fold in chocolate chips or berries, or layer with jam or pastry cream.
FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead?
Yes, substitute for an even softer texture.
What’s a good buttermilk substitute?
Mix 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
How do I enhance flavor?
Add a pinch of salt or some citrus zest to the frosting.
Best Soft Vanilla Cake – Light & Tender
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.