Name: Easy Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-purpose flour; 1 cup Sugar; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Water; ½ cup Vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon White vinegar; 2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract; 1 recipe Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting ((using vegan cream cheese and butter as needed))

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly special about a classic cake, like this Easy Vanilla Cake. I remember the first time I decided to bake one for a friend’s birthday. The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baking, and I could already envision their smile as they took the first bite. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity; it’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy afternoon teas. Plus, it’s vegan! This means you can share it with everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. I love how this cake can bring people together, sparking conversations and creating memories. It’s a great base for any frosting or toppings, and you can easily customize it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. So, let’s dive into making this delightful treat that’s bound to impress!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
28 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
18 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Whole30

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
6-inch cake pan, Mixing Bowl, Spatula

What’s Great About This Easy Vanilla Cake

1. Simple Ingredients

One of the things I love most about this Easy Vanilla Cake is the minimal ingredients it requires. You don’t need anything fancy—just basic pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. This means you can whip it up at a moment’s notice, whether it’s for an impromptu gathering or a craving that hits out of nowhere.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake is versatile! Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or even a holiday, the Easy Vanilla Cake fits right in. You can dress it up with a rich frosting for special occasions or enjoy it plain with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a casual treat. It’s a canvas for your creativity!

3. Vegan-Friendly

You don’t have to compromise on flavor to enjoy a vegan dessert. This Easy Vanilla Cake proves just that! It’s made without eggs or dairy but still turns out moist and delicious. This is a great way to introduce vegan baking to those who might be hesitant. It’s a delightful surprise!

4. Easy to Customize

If you want to add a personal touch, this cake is super easy to customize. Add some chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruits to the batter. You can experiment with flavors too! A hint of almond or some citrus zest can elevate your cake to new heights.

5. Fun for Everyone

Baking this Easy Vanilla Cake can be a fun activity for families. Get the kids involved by letting them mix the ingredients or decorate the finished cake. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together and teach them the joy of baking. Plus, they’ll be excited to taste what they made!

6. Store and Freeze with Ease

Leftovers? No problem! This cake stores well in the fridge, and you can freeze slices for future enjoyment. It’s always nice to have a sweet treat ready to go. Just wrap it tightly, and you’ll have dessert on hand whenever the craving strikes!

Main Ingredients for Easy Vanilla Cake

This Easy Vanilla Cake relies on a few key ingredients that work beautifully together to create a light and fluffy texture. The base is formed with all-purpose flour that gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. The baking soda serves as a leavening agent, ensuring a good rise. Vegetable oil enhances moisture, and water helps to combine the ingredients smoothly. Each component plays a vital role in delivering a delicious cake that everyone will love.

All-purpose flour: 1 cup – The foundation of the cake, providing structure and stability.
Sugar: 1 cup – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Water: 1 cup – Combines ingredients and adds moisture to the batter.
Vegetable oil: ½ cup – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
White vinegar: 1 tablespoon – Reacts with baking soda to create a light texture.
Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons – Infuses the cake with a lovely vanilla flavor.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 recipe (optional) – A delightful topping to enhance the cake’s flavor.

Putting Together Easy Vanilla Cake

Making the Easy Vanilla Cake is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delightful slice in no time!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 6-inch cake pans thoroughly on the bottom and sides with nonstick spray. This is essential to ensure your cake doesn’t stick. For extra precaution, line the bottoms with a round of parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients, except for the frosting. This includes the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix gently until the mixture is well combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Aim for about 1¼ cups of batter in each pan for an even bake. You can use a measuring cup or a scale to ensure they are equal.
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they are done when the middle feels firm to a light touch and a cake tester comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully run a paring knife around the edges to loosen them.
Invert the pans onto a wire rack to release the cakes. They should slide out easily if you greased them well. Allow the cakes to cool completely on the wire rack before frosting.
When the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or a plate. Add about a third of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting to the top of this layer and spread it evenly to the edges.
Top with the second layer of cake and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles if desired!
Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Easy Vanilla Cake with friends and family!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until smooth to avoid a dense cake.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center; it should come out clean.
Cooling time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Storing leftovers: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to four days for freshness.

Tips for Success

To ensure you create the best Easy Vanilla Cake possible, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Storage: How to store leftovers? Keep the cake tightly wrapped in the fridge to maintain moisture.
Freezing: Can you freeze this cake? Yes, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Serving suggestions: Try pairing this cake with fresh berries or a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Customization: Feel free to add different flavors like almond or lemon zest for a unique twist!
Preparation in advance: You can bake the cakes a day ahead. Just wrap them well after they cool.

What to Serve Alongside Easy Vanilla Cake

Fresh Berries: Serve slices of Easy Vanilla Cake with a side of seasonal berries like strawberries or blueberries. The tartness complements the sweetness beautifully.
Vegan Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert experience, pair it with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a slice with a hot beverage is lovely. The warmth of coffee or tea enhances the cake’s flavor.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top for an extra layer of yumminess.
Celebratory Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simple family gatherings. It’s a sweet centerpiece for any table!

FAQ

To check if your Easy Vanilla Cake is done, use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. If it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the color; it should be golden brown!

Conclusion

The Easy Vanilla Cake is truly a delightful treat that can bring joy to any occasion. With its moist texture and simple flavor, it’s a cake worth trying. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients and get baking; you won’t regret it!