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Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe for a Soft, Moist Crumb

Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cake

A simple oil-based vanilla cake with a soft, fluffy crumb and classic homemade flavor. It comes together without an electric mixer and makes one 8-inch round cake, about 8 servings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 2 eggs Large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Neutral-flavored vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
Optional Topping
  • As needed Powdered sugar or vanilla buttercream

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt together in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the room-temperature eggs, neutral oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the batter is smooth and no visible flour remains. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, beginning to check a few minutes early.
  6. The cake is ready when the center springs back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting or serving.

Notes

Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter and even rise. Measure flour by weight when possible, or spoon it into a measuring cup and level the top. For a particularly tender crumb, replace 2 tablespoons of the milk with sour cream or plain yogurt. Store the cooled, covered cake at room temperature for a short period, or refrigerate it if frosted with perishable buttercream.