Description
This quick and easy vanilla cake recipe yields a moist, fluffy cake with a rich vanilla flavor, topped with a smooth and creamy chocolate vanilla frosting. Perfect for beginners and anyone craving a classic homemade dessert that comes together with pantry staples and simple techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract or 1 1/2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Plus
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 1 cup (227g) milk
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
- 1/4 cup (28g) cornstarch
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups (227g) confectioners’ sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (16g) King Arthur Double Dark Cocoa Blend, or your favorite unsweetened cocoa
- 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
- Pinch table salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons (28g to 43g) milk, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F with a rack placed in the center. Lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a parchment paper round or a reusable silicone liner to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) for a full minute. This aerates the mixture, making it thicker and pale yellow in color.
- Heat milk and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, heat the milk and unsalted butter in 30-second increments until the butter is fully melted. Alternatively, warm them together in a small saucepan over low heat with occasional stirring. Slowly pour the hot milk-butter mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder into the wet ingredients bowl. Whisk gently until mostly smooth; a few small lumps are acceptable. The batter will be very thin at this stage.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 34 to 38 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a small offset spatula or a dull knife around the edges to loosen it, then invert the cake onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, butter, cocoa, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt on low speed until crumbly in texture.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add 2 tablespoons (28g) of milk to the frosting and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too stiff, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of milk and continue beating until light and spreadable. Scrape the bowl’s sides as needed.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides if desired. Add sprinkles or any preferred garnish to decorate.
- Storage: Store any leftover frosted cake covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. Unfrosted vanilla cake can be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Butter and egg should be at room temperature for best mixing and texture.
- If you prefer, substitute almond extract with lemon or additional vanilla for a different flavor twist.
- Use King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour to make the cake gluten-free.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Storing the cake covered prevents it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vanilla cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, chocolate frosting, quick dessert, classic vanilla cake
