There’s something magical about the smell of cake baking in the oven. It’s not just the sweet scent that fills your kitchen—it’s the memories it stirs up. For me, this simple vanilla cake takes me back to Saturday afternoons in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. She didn’t use fancy mixers or rare ingredients. Just a wooden spoon, a big ceramic bowl, and a smile.
She used to say, “If you can count to ten and stir, you can bake a cake.” And she was right. This recipe is inspired by hers—an easy cake recipe that anyone can make, whether it’s your first time baking or your hundredth.
Easy Cake Recipe: Ingredients You Already Have
This cake doesn’t call for any complicated ingredients or equipment. That’s part of what makes it so beginner-friendly.
✅ Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
Optional: Pinch of salt for balance, or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake This Simple Cake
🔪 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🧁 Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
🍽 Serves: 8-10
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps the cake rise and creates that soft texture we love.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the cake its rich, warm flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve as-is, dusted with powdered sugar, or top with your favorite frosting.
Cake Variations: Make It Yours
One of the best things about this recipe? You can customize it! Here are some easy twists:
- Lemon Lover’s Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract.
- Chocolate Chip Dream: Fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Berry Boost: Top with sliced strawberries or blueberries and whipped cream for a summer treat.