Quick and Easy Vanilla Butter Cake

 

Quick and Easy Vanilla Butter Cake

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this Quick & Easy Vanilla Butter Cake is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers who want a quick, satisfying dessert without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s a simple yet timeless cake that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of vanilla and butter, delivering a soft, moist crumb with a perfectly golden crust. Whether you’re making it for an afternoon tea, a family gathering, or a last-minute dessert, this recipe guarantees delicious results every single time.

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity — no fancy techniques, no unusual ingredients, just pure homemade goodness. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of glaze. It’s also an excellent base for layer cakes or birthday celebrations.

Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Creates the structure of the cake and gives it a tender crumb when combined with other ingredients.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and locks in moisture for a soft texture.
• ½ cup butter, softened – Adds richness, moisture, and that unmistakable buttery flavor.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together while adding stability and lightness.
• ½ cup milk – Keeps the batter smooth and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy — this step ensures a soft cake.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour. Mix just until combined — do not overmix, as that can make the cake dense.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• It uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
• The texture is soft, buttery, and moist — never dry.
• Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Always use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smooth, well-blended batter.
• For extra moisture, brush the warm cake with melted butter or a simple syrup made with sugar and water.
• To make a vanilla glaze, whisk 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this vanilla butter cake as-is with coffee or tea, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It’s also divine when topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. For a cozy touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Every bite of this Vanilla Butter Cake feels like a warm hug — simple, sweet, and made with love.