There is a quiet joy in baking a cake from scratch. The rhythm of measuring, mixing, and waiting. The scent that fills the kitchen. It is a small act of mindfulness.
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This recipe is my go-to for an easy homemade cake. It needs no fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a little patience. The result is a tender crumb and a delicate vanilla flavor.
I have kept it simple. But simple does not mean plain. A dusting of powdered sugar or a spoonful of jam can make it special. This cake is a canvas for your own quiet creativity.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Plain flour works best. For a lighter texture, you can substitute ½ cup with cake flour.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
Make sure it's fresh for proper rise. If in doubt, test in hot water – it should bubble.
½ teaspoon baking soda
Helps with browning and tenderness. You can omit if you use all-purpose flour but add ½ tsp extra baking powder.
½ teaspoon salt
Fine sea salt is best. It balances the sweetness.
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Salted butter works too – just reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
You can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, but the texture will be slightly denser.
2 large eggs, at room temperature
Room temperature eggs emulsify better, giving a smoother batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pure vanilla is best. You can use the seeds of half a vanilla bean.
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
Make your own by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice to ½ cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Room temperature ingredients matter. Cold butter and eggs can curdle the batter. Take them out 30 minutes ahead.
- Do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake tough. Mix until just combined.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center – it should come out clean, with no wet crumbs.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Buttermilk
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Delicious Variations
Lemon Poppy Seed
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the batter.
Chocolate Chip
Fold in ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips before baking.
Berry Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam onto the batter and swirl with a knife.
How to Store Cake Recipes Easy Homemade
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezer
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To refresh, warm a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds or toast lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour in equal amounts. For a lighter texture, remove 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replace with cornstarch.
Q: Why is my cake dense and heavy?
A dense cake often results from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Mix just until combined and bring all ingredients to room temperature.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean, with no wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Q: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a 9×5-inch loaf pan – bake for 45-50 minutes. Or use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, adjusting time as needed.
I hope this cake brings a moment of calm to your day. Try it, and let me know how it turns out. Share your creation in the comments below.
Cake Recipes Easy Homemade
Easy homemade cake recipes that are simple, moist, and perfect for any occasion. Bake a delicious cake from scratch today.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prepare — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.
- 2Whisk Dry Ingredients — In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3Cream Butter and Sugar — In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
- 4Add Eggs and Vanilla — Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5Alternate Dry and Buttermilk — With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
- 6Bake the Cake — Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- 7Cool and Serve — Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Ingrid explores mindful technology use and digital minimalism, helping readers reclaim focus. She writes about practical habits to reduce screen time and improve digital well-being.
