How to Make a Vanilla Cake – Soft, Buttery & Simple
Soft, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor, this classic vanilla cake is perfect for any celebration. Moist, tender, and made with simple ingredients, it’s a go-to for birthdays, weddings, and beyond.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose with cornstarch)
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2½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1¾ cups granulated sugar
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¼ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
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Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until fluffy. Add oil and mix.
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Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
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Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
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Divide batter into pans. Bake 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool 10 minutes in pans, then remove and cool completely. Frost as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a bit of vanilla bean paste. Cake layers can be made ahead and frozen.