A very simple, tasty vanilla cake at home only needs basic ingredients, one bowl for wet, one for dry, and a regular oven.

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Basic ingredients

Use everyday pantry items so you do not need special shopping.

  • 1½ cups all‑purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • Âź teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

You can turn this into a chocolate cake by replacing 2–3 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder.

Simple step‑by‑step method

This follows the common “mix dry + mix wet + combine” approach used in many beginner cake recipes.

  1. Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and grease a 20–23 cm (8–9 inch) round or square pan, then line the bottom with baking paper if you have it.
  1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
  1. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla until smooth.
  1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently stir or beat on low just until you get a smooth batter; do not overmix or the cake can become dense.
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
  1. Bake for about 25–35 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack or plate to cool completely before cutting.

Easy frosting option

A quick frosting makes the cake feel more special without much work.

  • Beat about Âź cup soft butter with 1½–2 cups powdered sugar.
  • Add 1–3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla, beating until creamy and spreadable, then spread over the cooled cake.

For an even simpler finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve it plain with tea or coffee.

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Learn how to make a simple cake at home with easy ingredients, step‑by‑step instructions, and beginner‑friendly tips for soft, moist results every time.

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