There’s something irresistible about a fluffy vanilla cake that melts in your mouth with every bite. If you’ve struggled to get that perfect soft texture and moist crumb, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just any cake—it’s the fluffy vanilla cake recipe that finally gets it right. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or craving a slice with tea, this guide shows you exactly how to make a vanilla cake that’s light, moist, and full of rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick to prepare using simple pantry ingredients
• Soft crumb and light texture with every slice
• No fancy tools or cake flour required
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or everyday treats
• Easy to frost and decorate for any occasion
• Uses a special method to keep it moist without feeling heavy
Ingredients Needed
For the Cake Base
• Salted butter, 1 and 1/2 cups, softened at room temperature
• Granulated sugar, 2 and 1/4 cups
• Egg whites from 4 large eggs
• Vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons for rich flavor
• All-purpose flour, 3 cups, leveled
• Baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon
• Baking powder, 2 and 3/4 teaspoons
• Whole milk, 1 and 1/2 cups, preferably at room temperature
For the Frosting
• Salted butter, 1 and 1/2 cups, softened
• Vegetable shortening, 1 and 1/2 cups, for stability and creaminess
• Powdered sugar, 12 cups, sifted for smooth texture
• Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon
• Milk or water, 6 to 7 tablespoons, adjust to desired consistency
Tip: Let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more evenly and creates a smoother crumb.
How to Make Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 176°C. Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should turn pale and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Egg Whites and Vanilla
Add in the egg whites and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute. The batter might look a bit split at first, but that’s normal.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add one-third of the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until blended. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
Pour in half of the milk and beat again until combined.
Repeat the process by adding another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, and finally the last portion of the flour mix. Always scrape down the sides of the bowl between each addition. Your final batter should look smooth, thick, and slightly glossy.
Step 6: Fill the Pans and Bake
Split the batter equally into the three cake pans you’ve prepared. Use a spatula to level the tops.
Place the cake pans in the oven on separate racks if possible. Bake for 30 to 33 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few soft crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes rest in their pans for about 5 minutes.
Carefully transfer the cakes to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before adding any frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat the butter and shortening in a clean bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add in half of the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully blended.
Add the vanilla extract along with roughly 4 tablespoons of milk or water, then blend until the mixture turns silky. Gradually mix in the rest of the powdered sugar and whip until the frosting becomes light and airy. If it feels too thick, stir in a small amount of milk or water until the texture is just right.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Place the first layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Trim the top if it has a dome to keep layers even.
Spread about 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting on top.
Repeat with the second layer.
Place the final layer and press gently to level it.
Use the rest of the frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this fluffy vanilla cake as the centerpiece of a celebration or enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. To impress your guests, top the cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet beautiful finish.
To store the cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, place it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When stored in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
If you’d like to make it ahead, the cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic and frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
This cake isn’t just soft and moist. It’s a reliable go-to for birthdays, holidays, or any day you crave a sweet, satisfying slice. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe gives consistent results with a light and tender crumb every time.
For extra flair, decorate the cake with vanilla buttercream rosettes, rainbow sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate ganache. You can also switch things up with flavored frostings like lemon, strawberry, or chocolate.
If you’re looking for a perfect frosting match, check out our recipe for The Perfect Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. For more ideas, explore our collection of classic cakes and crowd-favorite desserts.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values can change depending on the ingredients you use and the size of each slice.For one slice of cake (based on twelve slices), here is an approximate breakdown:
Calories: 520
Total Fat: 28 grams
Saturated Fat: 14 grams
Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Sodium: 210 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 65 grams
Sugars: 48 grams
Protein: 3 grams
For those tracking dietary needs or calorie intake, you can reduce the sugar or substitute with alternative sweeteners to lower the overall sugar content.
Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by lining with parchment and lightly greasing the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add egg whites and vanilla extract. Continue beating for another minute. It may look slightly curdled—this is normal.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl until evenly mixed.
- Add 1/3 of dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Pour in half the milk, mix again. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with dry mix. Scrape bowl between additions.
- Divide batter evenly among pans. Smooth tops with spatula. Bake for 30–33 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting: Beat butter and shortening until creamy. Add half the powdered sugar, then vanilla and 4 tbsp milk/water. Mix until smooth. Add remaining sugar and adjust liquid to get desired consistency.
- Trim cake domes if needed. Layer cakes with frosting between each, then frost the top and sides completely.
Notes
Conclusion
This fluffy vanilla cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. It’s soft, moist, and full of classic vanilla flavor with a light, tender texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to a very fluffy cake?
The secret lies in how you mix the ingredients. Start by creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly to trap air, which helps the cake rise. Using cake flour and separating dry and wet ingredients during mixing also keeps the texture light. Do not overmix once the flour is added, as this can make the cake dense.
What makes a vanilla cake moist and fluffy?
A combination of room temperature ingredients, the right mixing technique, and proper baking time is key. Butter, sugar, and milk must be well-balanced. Also, using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can improve both moisture and softness. Baking just until done prevents the cake from drying out.
What is used to make cake fluffy?
Creaming butter and sugar together creates air pockets that expand during baking. Baking powder helps with lift, while egg whites contribute to a light structure. Using milk or buttermilk keeps the crumb tender and moist.
What makes a vanilla cake dense?
Overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or baking for too long can make the cake heavy. Cold ingredients, especially butter or eggs, can also affect the rise. To avoid this, measure accurately, mix gently once the flour is added, and make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
