If you have been searching for the perfect dessert to impress family and friends or just treat yourself, this Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a tender, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth with the warm, comforting aroma of vanilla—this recipe delivers that and more. It’s incredibly easy to make yet produces a rich, velvety texture that feels like a professional bakery masterpiece made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this cake will become an instant favorite to whip up for birthdays, gatherings, or even a simple afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward and well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the flour’s structure to the butter and oil’s richness that keep the cake tender, and the eggs lending moisture and lift. Together, they create a harmonious texture and flavor that’s both classic and irresistible.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and body.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your cake rises perfectly, creating that soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft even after baking.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens your cake and helps with browning.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture; important for that fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: The essential flavor booster that defines the classic vanilla taste.
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature): Adds moisture and richness while balancing dry ingredients.
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest: For those wanting an extra layer of flavor complexity.
How to Make Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, either grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or prepare two 8-inch round cake pans. This preparation ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking, and preheating is crucial for even baking from the moment you place the batter in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the flour, providing a balanced rise and flavor in your cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air that helps develop the tender crumb texture you crave in the Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, making sure each egg is fully integrated before adding the next. This technique prevents curdling and helps maintain a silky batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract or lemon zest to introduce a wonderful fragrance and flavor depth.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful to mix just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so take your time to fold everything gently to retain the soft, airy structure.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the edges will start pulling away slightly from the pan when it’s done, signaling the perfect bake for the Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Step 7: Cooling
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This resting time helps it set up a bit so it doesn’t break apart when you take it out. Cooling completely before frosting or serving ensures the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your vanilla cake with simple yet stunning garnishes like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These touches add color, freshness, and a bit of elegance without overpowering the natural vanilla essence you worked so hard to achieve.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of berry compote. The creamy sides complement the soft vanilla cake’s sweetness and texture, making every bite a delightful contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by transforming the cake into cupcakes for parties or stack it into multiple layers with different fillings like lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves. You can also cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed events—it’s versatile and fun to dress up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cake fresh, store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out and preserves that impeccable moistness.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This gentle warming enhances the softness and refreshes the vanilla aroma without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely! The batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at the same temperature, but start checking for doneness around 18 to 22 minutes.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute vegetable oil with an equal amount of melted coconut oil or even extra softened butter. Just remember that butter might change the texture slightly but will add a richer flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Also, the edges should begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Just be gentle to maintain that soft texture while adding a personal twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, it is not vegan due to eggs and dairy, but you could explore substitutions if needed.
Final Thoughts
Making this Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe truly feels like gifting yourself a little bit of happiness baked to perfection. It’s simple to prepare but impressively delicious, with that classic vanilla charm everyone loves. So next time you crave a sweet, buttery treat with soft crumb and a tender crumb, don’t hesitate—bake this cake and watch it become your go-to dessert!
Print
Moist and Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist and Soft Cake recipe delivers a tender, fluffy vanilla cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring a balanced blend of butter and vegetable oil, this cake stays incredibly moist and soft, making it an ideal base for layered cakes, cupcakes, or birthday treats. Enhanced with vanilla extract and optional almond or lemon flavorings, it offers versatility and classic flavor that pairs beautifully with various frostings and fillings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be incorporated later into the batter.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition to fully combine. Then mix in the vanilla extract along with any optional almond extract or lemon zest for additional flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased pan(s) and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack and cool completely before applying frosting or serving to maintain its moist texture.
Notes
- This cake is a versatile base, ideal for layered cakes, cupcakes, or birthday cakes.
- Pairs wonderfully with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or fresh fruit fillings.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain the cake’s soft texture.
- For added flavor, experiment with almond extract or lemon zest as optional ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
