Name: Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (or 325g cake flour as substitute); ¼ cup (25 g) cornstarch; ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter); ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup (105 g) unflavoured vegetable oil (canola oil recommended); 1⅔ cups (332 g) white granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1¼ tbsp vanilla essence/extract; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1½ cups (337 g) buttermilk, room temperature (see note on homemade substitute); 1½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 cups (375 g) powdered (icing/confectioners’) sugar; 1½ tsp vanilla essence/extract; 1½ tbsp milk (or heavy whipping cream)

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s genuinely unforgettable, look no further than this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe. Imagine a cake so tender and fluffy that it almost melts in your mouth, bursting with the warm aroma and flavor of real vanilla in every bite. This cake isn’t just soft; it’s the epitome of comfort in dessert form, inviting smiles and happy sighs at every slice. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, an afternoon treat, or simply to brighten your day, this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a moist, flavorful vanilla cake that always pleases the crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains yellow butter and white sugar lumps, while a woman's hand holds a white electric mixer above it. The right bowl shows the same mixture after being whipped, becoming light and creamy with a pale yellow color. The electric mixer's beaters are inside the bowl, still mixing the fluffy mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe is delightfully simple, thanks to a handful of staple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the richness of butter and the subtle tang of buttermilk to the gentle lift from baking powder and soda, these components work in harmony to create the perfect cake texture and flavor.

2¼ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour: The base for structure and tenderness; use cake flour for an even softer crumb.
¼ cup (25 g) cornstarch: Gives the cake that delicate, velvety softness by lightening the flour mixture.
½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise just right, keeping it airy and light.
1 tsp baking powder: Provides additional leavening power for a perfect lift.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors, but omit if using salted butter.
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
½ cup (105 g) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
1⅔ cups (332 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overwhelming.
3 large eggs: Acts as a binder and helps with structure, bringing richness to every bite.
1¼ tbsp vanilla extract: The heart of this cake’s signature flavor, bring out the best vanilla taste.
1 tsp white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a tender, fluffy texture.
1½ cups (337 g) buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, greatly contributing to the moistness of the cake.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
1½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter: Creamy and smooth base for frosting.
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar: Sweet and silky texture that whips beautifully.
1½ tsp vanilla extract: Keeps the vanilla love going strong in the frosting.
1½ tbsp milk or cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfect spreadability.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the oven and dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 165 °C (330°F) with the fan on — this helps bake the cake evenly and keep it moist. If your oven doesn’t have a fan, don’t worry: just crank the temperature up to 175 °C (347°F). Meanwhile, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures everything is perfectly combined and aerated, which is key to that soft texture.

Step 2: Cream butter, oil, and sugar

In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake that wonderful lift and tender crumb. Using room-temperature ingredients here will make this step much easier and yield better results.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your batter stays smooth and well emulsified. Then add the vanilla extract and vinegar, which work together to bring out the flavor and contribute to the cake’s rise. Finally, mix in half a cup of buttermilk to start bringing in that lovely moisture.

Step 4: Fold in dry ingredients and buttermilk

Now the secret to the softest vanilla cake: gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. This careful folding prevents gluten from forming too much, so your cake stays tender. Be patient and stop folding as soon as the mixture is uniform to avoid toughening the crumb.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Divide the batter evenly between two 8-inch cake pans that are well greased or lined, then bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean from the cake’s center. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting them with your luscious vanilla buttercream.

How to Serve Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe

The image shows a three-layer round cake on a glass cake stand placed on a white marbled surface. Each cake layer is thick with a light golden-brown color and separated by a smooth, creamy white frosting layer. On the left, a woman's hand is spreading the white frosting evenly on the top layer with a metal spatula. On the right, the cake fully frosted with smooth white cream covers the top and sides neatly. The background is clean and subtle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this cake shines on its own, adding fresh berries or a sprinkle of edible flowers can give it a charming, colorful touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant finish for simpler occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to elevate the experience. For a fruity contrast, a tangy berry compote is an excellent complement to the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your vanilla cake with different fillings like raspberry jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache for a surprising twist. You can also slice the cake into petite cupcakes, perfect for sharing at parties or afternoon teas. Wrapping individual slices with a ribbon and serving them on colorful plates makes for a delightful presentation everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for about four days. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe either before or after frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before decorating or serving.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, if you want to warm up a piece, pop it in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds to bring back some softness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Cake flour makes the cake even softer and more delicate. If you use cake flour, replace the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with 325 grams of cake flour total for the best results.

Why is vinegar added to the batter?

The vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and produce a tender crumb. It’s a subtle ingredient that also brightens the vanilla flavor without leaving any sourness.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

Store your frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate it for longer freshness. Just make sure it’s well covered to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

You can use a homemade substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to milk and letting it sit for five minutes, but store-bought buttermilk gives the best moisture and texture for this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe.

Is this cake suitable for birthdays?

Definitely! This Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe makes a wonderful vanilla birthday cake thanks to its soft crumb and classic flavor that everyone loves. Just add your favorite frosting and decorations for a celebration-ready centerpiece.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cake that’s as soft as a cloud and rich with vanilla flavor, and this Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe delivers just that. It’s straightforward enough for even baking beginners yet impressive enough to wow all your loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen for every occasion that calls for a touch of sweet joy.

Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe