Soft Vanilla Cake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something truly delightful, Soft Vanilla Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert. With its tender crumb, fluffy texture, and irresistible aroma, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to brighten an ordinary day. The layers are pillowy and moist, each bite infused with fragrant vanilla and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a curious home cook, you’ll find this recipe warm, welcoming, and wonderfully rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beautiful things about Soft Vanilla Cake is that its ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a huge role in achieving that perfect soft crumb, delicate color, and rich flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—these staples each give the cake its signature personality and texture.

• All purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake. For extra pillowy texture, you can swap for cake flour, but all purpose keeps it classic.
• Cornstarch: Softens the flour blend, making your Soft Vanilla Cake especially tender and light.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners are your lift-off for a beautiful rise and delicate crumb.
• Salt: Just a touch balances sweetness and enhances vanilla flavor (skip if your butter is already salted).
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth feel; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming!
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist for days—canola works perfectly for a neutral taste.
• Granulated sugar: The essential sweetness for those dreamy, golden layers.
• Eggs: For structure, color, and that perfect little bit of spring in every bite—room temperature eggs mix in smoother.
• Vanilla extract: Absolutely key! Use the best you can find for pure, aromatic flavor throughout.
• White vinegar: Enhances tenderness by reacting with the baking soda for extra lightness.
• Buttermilk: The secret to a soft, moist Soft Vanilla Cake that stays fresh longer. (Substitute with homemade buttermilk, if needed!)
• Powdered sugar: Makes the buttercream silky and smooth, dissolving effortlessly while mixing.
• Milk or heavy cream: Loosens your frosting to the perfect, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Soft Vanilla Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 165 °C (330°F) with the fan on for even baking. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans—homemade cake release works magic here, but parchment paper and a brush of butter or oil does the trick too. Taking the time to prep means your Soft Vanilla Cake releases easily, keeping every edge pristine.

Step 2: Combine The Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly so the leaveners and starch distribute evenly. This ensures every bite of Soft Vanilla Cake is airy, tender, and perfectly consistent.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar

In another bowl, add room temperature butter, oil, and granulated sugar. Using an electric or stand mixer, cream everything for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This air-trapping step is what gives your Soft Vanilla Cake its gorgeous, delicate lift and melt-away texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, giving each about 10-15 seconds to blend. Be patient—this step enriches the batter and helps everything emulsify. Next, mix in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and half a cup of buttermilk until smooth and fragrant. At this point, you’ll start to get a whiff of that classic vanilla aroma!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Mix and Buttermilk

Put down the mixer and grab a spatula. Gently fold in half the dry ingredients just until combined; don’t overwork it! Add the remaining buttermilk, fold, then finish with the rest of the dry mix. Folding by hand protects the delicate structure of the batter, resulting in the signature softness of Soft Vanilla Cake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, level the tops, and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for roughly 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma that fills your kitchen will let you know you’re in for a treat!

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 15-20 minutes. Then, gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patience gives your Soft Vanilla Cake the right texture, so the buttercream won’t melt when you frost.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

In your stand mixer, combine the powdered sugar, room temperature butter, vanilla, and milk. Start on low to avoid a sugar cloud, then switch to medium-high and whip for a full 10 minutes. This patience gives the buttercream its dreamily silky, fluffy finish—just what your Soft Vanilla Cake deserves.

How to Serve Soft Vanilla Cake

Garnishes

Finish your Soft Vanilla Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a playful rain of rainbow sprinkles. Edible flowers or a light drizzle of white chocolate add elegance for special occasions, while simple swirls of buttercream let the vanilla flavor shine.

Side Dishes

Pair slices of Soft Vanilla Cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or offer alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of lemon curd adds a tangy touch that beautifully balances the cake’s sweetness. It even goes well with a mug of strong coffee or a cool glass of milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering thinly sliced Soft Vanilla Cake with berries and cream in a trifle dish for a showstopping dessert, or use cookie cutters to make adorable mini cakes for parties. You can also cube leftover cake for parfaits, or stack the layers tall with a dramatic cascade of buttercream and chocolate shavings for big celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Soft Vanilla Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container; it stays fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 2 days. For even longer shelf life, pop it in the fridge, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to soften the crumb again.

Freezing

The great news: Soft Vanilla Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap whole cake layers (unfrosted) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving. If you freeze frosted slices, a bit of plastic wrap between each wedge makes for easy grab-and-go treats.

Reheating

To freshen up refrigerated or defrosted Soft Vanilla Cake, let slices come to room temperature or give them a 10-second zap in the microwave. This revives the softness and brings back that just-baked warmth everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all purpose flour in Soft Vanilla Cake?

Absolutely! Cake flour lends an even lighter, softer texture, making your Soft Vanilla Cake extra delicate. Simply substitute equal amounts, or use the noted blend of all purpose flour and cornstarch for fantastic results.

Why add vinegar to a vanilla cake recipe?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, adding a subtle lift and making your Soft Vanilla Cake even softer and lighter without adding any tang or odd flavors. It’s like a magic trick for super-soft cakes!

Can I make Soft Vanilla Cake cupcakes instead of full-size layers?

Yes! Simply divide the batter among lined cupcake tins, filling each about 2/3 full, and bake for about 18-22 minutes. You get all the same flavor, in adorable, personal-sized treats.

What’s the best way to get flat, even cake layers?

Use a scale to divide the batter evenly, and gently tap your cake pans on the counter to release air bubbles. Baking at a lower temperature like 330°F also encourages even rising and prevents domed tops, so your Soft Vanilla Cake layers stack beautifully.

Is it okay to make buttercream in advance?

Definitely! Prepare your vanilla buttercream up to a week ahead and store in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly for ideal spreading consistency.

Final Thoughts

Ready to treat yourself or your loved ones? This Soft Vanilla Cake is truly a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. There’s nothing like the warm vanilla aroma filling your kitchen—and that first soft, luscious bite. I hope you’ll try it soon, and fall in love just like I did!

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