fluffy vanilla cake recipe
- The Best fluffy vanilla cake recipe
- Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The Best fluffy vanilla cake recipe
The best part? It’s versatile. You can serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, slice it up with fresh berries and whipped cream, or even use it as a base for a layered cake with frosting. It’s light enough to pair with a cup of coffee or tea, but it also holds up well if you’re making a full cake for a gathering. And honestly, the health benefits aren’t bad either—it’s not loaded with sugar or heavy fats, so it’s a way to enjoy cake without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. Plus, the vanilla flavor is so universally loved that pretty much everyone will enjoy it, no matter the occasion.
Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A light, airy vanilla cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The tender crumb and sweet frosting make it a crowd-pleaser.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. -
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. -
3
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. -
4
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. -
5
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. -
6
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fluffy Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Why does my vanilla cake sometimes turn out dense instead of fluffy?
Use room-temperature butter and eggs—they incorporate air better. Overmixing after adding the dry ingredients can also trap air, so fold gently. If your batter is too thick, it may not rise properly. Try adding an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder or vanilla extract if needed.
Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar in this recipe?
Yes, but adjust the quantity: use ¾ cup powdered sugar for every 1 cup granulated sugar. Powdered sugar dissolves faster, so it may require a slightly longer bake time—check at 15 minutes earlier than usual.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar?
Use a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon in a bowl. Beat the butter and sugar together vigorously for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. If you lack a mixer, you can also mix them by hand in batches, but consistency will be slightly less smooth.
How can I tell if the cake is done before removing it from the pan?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there’s moist crumbs, bake for another 5–10 minutes. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so check at 95–100°F (40–38°C) internal temperature if using a thermometer.
Can I make this cake ahead of time and store it?
Yes! Store cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.
