Soft Vanilla Cake has been my ultimate comfort food since I was a little girl, watching my grandma effortlessly whisk batter in her sunny kitchen. The aroma of vanilla always filled the air, promising a treat that was pure joy. I’ve discovered that making a truly moist vanilla cake doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s all about the right ingredients and a gentle touch. This simple vanilla cake from scratch brings back those cherished memories for me, and I’m sure it will create new ones for you. It’s light, tender, and perfectly sweet, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion, big or small. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Vanilla Cake

I know you’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience!

• This soft vanilla cake boasts an incredibly tender crumb and a delicate, sweet flavor that’s universally loved.
• It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute celebrations.
• My recipe yields a wonderfully fluffy vanilla cake that’s light on the palate but rich in taste.
• Using wholesome ingredients means you can feel good about indulging in this homemade treat.
• Making this cake from scratch is far more budget-friendly than buying a store-bought alternative.
• The delightful aroma of this fluffy vanilla cake baking will fill your home, creating an inviting atmosphere.
• It’s a fantastic family-friendly dessert that everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, will adore.
• This versatile cake serves as the perfect base for any frosting or topping you desire.

Ingredients for Soft Vanilla Cake

To make this delightful soft vanilla cake, you’ll need a few common ingredients. I always find that having everything measured and ready makes the baking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Creating a simple vanilla cake from scratch starts with quality ingredients, so let’s gather them!

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour – the base of our cake, providing structure.
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder – this is key for a good rise and that lovely fluffy texture.
• ¼ tsp salt – just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – for sweetness and to help tenderize the crumb.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature – crucial for emulsion and a moist texture, so don’t skip the room temp!
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – I always use pure vanilla for the best, most authentic flavor in my soft vanilla cake.
• ½ cup (120ml) milk, room temperature – adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream – my secret ingredient for an incredibly moist and rich cake, you’ll love it!

How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake

Making this incredibly delicious soft vanilla cake is a true joy, and I promise you, the process is straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful homemade treat in no time. This easy vanilla cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when the batter is ready. Then, lightly grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This simple step makes sure your beautiful cake won’t stick!
2. Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. I find that whisking them well ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a perfectly risen soft vanilla cake. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
3. Step 3: Now, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. You want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, giving our cake its wonderful texture.
4. Step 4: Next, beat in the large eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract. The aroma of the vanilla starting to bloom is just heavenly at this stage!
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl or cup, gently mix the room temperature milk and sour cream together. This combination is a secret weapon for an extra moist and tender soft vanilla cake, trust me on this!
6. Step 6: Now it’s time to combine everything. Add about half of the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Then, add half of the milk and sour cream mixture, mixing again until just incorporated. Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and the rest of the milk mixture. Be very careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want a light, fluffy vanilla cake!
7. Step 7: Pour the beautifully smooth batter into your prepared cake pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell incredible, signaling your delicious soft vanilla cake is almost ready!
8. Step 8: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the cake firm up before you attempt to move it. After cooling slightly, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This easy vanilla cake recipe ends with a perfect canvas for your favorite frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Pro Tips for the Best Soft Vanilla Cake

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate this recipe, ensuring your soft vanilla cake turns out perfect every single time. These expert tips will help you achieve that coveted light and fluffy texture.

• Always use ingredients at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform cake crumb.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to a tough, dense cake instead of a light, fluffy vanilla cake.
• For the best flavor, invest in good quality pure vanilla extract or even a vanilla bean paste. It makes a significant difference in a simple cake like this.
• Check your baking powder’s freshness. If it’s old, your cake won’t rise properly. You can test it by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should fizz immediately.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart and helps maintain its structure.

What’s the secret to perfect Soft Vanilla Cake?

The real secret to a moist vanilla cake lies in the combination of room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, and the addition of sour cream. The fat and acidity in sour cream tenderize the crumb, while mixing just until combined prevents overdevelopment of gluten, resulting in an incredibly tender and velvety vanilla cake.

Can I make Soft Vanilla Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soft vanilla cake is excellent for meal prep. You can bake it up to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, and store it at room temperature. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Vanilla Cake?

To avoid a dry soft vanilla cake, first, ensure you don’t overbake it; check for doneness with a toothpick. Second, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Finally, always use room temperature ingredients as this helps create a smooth emulsion, preventing a dense or crumbly texture.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Vanilla Cake

Once your beautiful soft vanilla cake is cooled, the serving possibilities are endless! I love how versatile this cake is, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a festive celebration. It’s truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

For a classic and utterly satisfying experience, I highly recommend serving your soft vanilla cake with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries perfectly complements the sweet vanilla notes. Another fantastic option is to pair it with a scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream; the warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.

And of course, for those who love a truly decadent treat, nothing beats a slice of this soft vanilla cake adorned with a rich Vanilla Cake with Buttercream Frosting. The creamy, sweet frosting enhances the cake’s velvety texture and elevates it to pure dessert perfection. You can also drizzle it with a simple chocolate ganache for an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutrition Facts for Soft Vanilla Cake

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delightful treat. Here’s what you can expect per serving of my delicious soft vanilla cake (this recipe makes 8 servings):

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 270
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly based on the specific brands and precise measurements of ingredients used to make your soft vanilla cake.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Vanilla Cake

Once you’ve baked your amazing soft vanilla cake, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious is key. Proper storage will keep that lovely moist texture for days! This is especially important for a homemade vanilla cake recipe, as we want to savor every bite.

First, always allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before storing it. Attempting to store a warm cake will create condensation, making it soggy. Once cool, place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out.

You can store your soft vanilla cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’ve frosted it, refrigeration is best. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat from frozen, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. You can then let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Vanilla Cake

How do I make my Soft Vanilla Cake extra moist?

The secret to an extra moist vanilla cake lies in a few key factors. First, ensure your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly. Second, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dry cake. Finally, my recipe includes sour cream, which is a fantastic tenderizer, ensuring a truly moist and tender crumb for your soft vanilla cake.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Soft Vanilla Cake recipe?

While this recipe is carefully balanced, some substitutions are possible. For the milk, you can use buttermilk for an even tangier, more tender cake. If you don’t have sour cream, plain full-fat yogurt can be a good substitute. However, I highly recommend sticking to the pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in your soft vanilla cake. For best results on how to make a soft vanilla cake, I suggest following the recipe closely the first time.

What causes a vanilla cake to be dense or dry?

A dense or dry vanilla cake is usually a result of a few common mistakes. Overmixing the batter is a big culprit, as it develops too much gluten, making the cake tough. Using cold ingredients can also lead to a poor emulsion and a less tender cake. Additionally, overbaking is a frequent cause of dryness; make sure to pull your soft vanilla cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How long does it take to make a Soft Vanilla Cake from scratch?

Making this delightful soft vanilla cake from scratch is surprisingly quick! The prep time is typically around 15 minutes, where you gather and mix your ingredients. The baking time is about 30-35 minutes. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at a total of approximately 50 minutes to have a freshly baked, aromatic soft vanilla cake ready to cool and enjoy. It’s truly an easy vanilla cake recipe to whip up!

Variations of Soft Vanilla Cake You Can Try

While this classic soft vanilla cake recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for creativity! I love experimenting with different flavors and textures, and I encourage you to do the same. Here are a few ideas to inspire you and transform your velvety vanilla cake into something new and exciting.

• Lemon Zest Vanilla Cake: For a bright and zesty twist, add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest to the batter along with the wet ingredients. The citrus beautifully complements the vanilla, creating a light and refreshing soft vanilla cake.
• Almond Vanilla Cake: Substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a delicate, nutty flavor profile. This variation pairs wonderfully with a simple powdered sugar glaze or fresh berries.
• Marble Swirl Cake: Divide the batter in half. Mix 2 tablespoons of melted unsweetened chocolate into one half. Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan, then gently swirl with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect. This makes for a fun and delicious soft vanilla cake.
• Cupcake Version: This recipe easily adapts to cupcakes! Simply divide the batter among 12-18 lined cupcake molds and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’ll still be wonderfully soft and fluffy, making for perfect individual servings of this velvety vanilla cake.

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