Simple Vanilla Butter Cake

Name: Simple Vanilla Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Collection

I love baking, and this Simple Vanilla Butter Cake is one of my go-to recipes for a delightful dessert. It’s easy to make, using basic pantry ingredients, and the results are consistently delicious. The soft, buttery texture combined with the sweet vanilla flavor makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special event or just indulging on a quiet afternoon. I often enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and it never disappoints. This cake is a timeless classic that everyone should try!

Created by

Isabella Clark

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:53:36.265Z

When I first tried making this Simple Vanilla Butter Cake, I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it was. The secret to its moist, buttery texture lies in creaming the butter and sugar together thoroughly, which incorporates air into the batter. This step is crucial as it helps the cake rise beautifully and become fluffy.

One detail that truly elevates this recipe is the use of high-quality vanilla extract. I’ve experimented with various brands, and I can confidently say that a pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. It gives the cake that rich, aromatic essence that you’ll love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla flavor that shines through every bite
Tender and moist crumb that stays fresh for days
Perfectly simple yet elegant for any occasion

The Importance of Proper Creaming

Creaming the butter and sugar is a crucial step in achieving a light and airy texture for your Simple Vanilla Butter Cake. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise during baking. When you cream for 3-5 minutes, the butter will become lighter in color and fluffier in texture. If you don't cream long enough, you may end up with a denser cake, so don't rush this process!

Using softened butter at room temperature is essential for successful creaming. If your butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate air effectively. To soften butter quickly, you can cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or use the microwave on a low power setting for a few seconds. Just be careful not to melt it, or you'll alter the texture of your cake.

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect vanilla butter cake. The butter not only provides flavor but also contributes to the cake's richness and moisture. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps in the creaming process, ensuring a tender crumb. Eggs are essential for structure; they bind the ingredients together and provide moistness, while the milk hydrates the flour, resulting in a soft texture.

The flour serves as the backbone of your cake, providing the necessary gluten structure. Be sure to measure correctly—spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off will prevent a dry cake. The baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping your cake rise and develop that lovely fluffy texture. Without it, your cake could end up flat or dense.

Customization and Variations

While this recipe is delightful as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For a chocolate variation, replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder, and reduce the sugar slightly to balance the flavors. If you enjoy fruity cakes, consider folding in 1 cup of fresh berries or chopped fruit like peaches or apples, which will add both flavor and moisture to your cake.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. This will enhance the cake's depth with subtle caramel notes. Similarly, if you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the whole milk with buttermilk or yogurt, which will add a slight tang and also create a tender crumb.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Simple Vanilla Butter Cake:

Cake Ingredients

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

Once you have these ingredients, you're all set to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

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.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour.

Transfer to Pans and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.

Now that you've baked your Simple Vanilla Butter Cake, enjoy it plain or with your favorite frosting!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Simple Vanilla Butter Cake is perfect for make-ahead baking. Once cooled completely, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to extend its freshness, consider freezing the cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; it can last up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cake, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For the best texture, bring it back to room temperature before serving. You can also slice and freeze individual pieces, which makes it easy to indulge in a sweet treat without having to defrost an entire cake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, first check your baking powder for freshness. An expired leavening agent can hinder the rising process. Additionally, ensure that you are not overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a denser texture due to gluten formation.

If your cake domes in the center and has a cracked top, this might indicate that your oven temperature was too high. Using an oven thermometer can help you get an accurate reading. Lowering the temperature slightly and baking for a longer duration can produce a more even rise and a cake with a lovely golden crust.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla butter cake is delightful on its own, but it can be dressed up in numerous ways for a more extravagant dessert. Dusting the top with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can add a touch of elegance. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also enhance the presentation and flavor profile, adding freshness to each bite.

For a more indulgent treat, consider layering the cake with your favorite frosting, such as vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting. This cake also pairs wonderfully with ice cream, creating a comforting dessert perfect for gatherings or special occasions. You can even add a scoop of sorbet for a refreshing twist!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, although butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

→ What can I add to give the cake variation?

You can incorporate chocolate chips, citrus zest, or chopped nuts into the batter for added flavor and texture.