Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe (Light, Moist & Effortless!)

Vanilla cake is the little black dress of the baking world—classic, versatile, and always elegant. Whether it’s layered for a birthday, topped with berries for brunch, or enjoyed plain with coffee, a well-made vanilla cake hits every sweet spot.

This easy fluffy vanilla cake recipe is your new go-to. It’s soft, light, and simple to make, even if you’ve never baked a cake before. No fancy mixers or obscure ingredients needed—just pantry staples, a bowl, and a whisk (okay, a spoon works too!).

What makes it stand out? It’s not just about taste—it’s about texture. And thanks to the use of oil instead of butter, this cake stays incredibly moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Let’s break down everything you need to make the fluffiest vanilla cake of your life.

Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe Overview

If you’re looking for a no-fail, beginner-friendly vanilla cake, you’re in the right place. This cake:

• Uses oil instead of butter for better moisture retention
• Is perfect for layering or enjoying as-is
• Has a cloud-like, fluffy texture that doesn’t dry out
• Comes together in one bowl (less mess, more cake!)

Whether you’re baking for a party or craving a sweet treat midweek, this easy vanilla cake recipe is a reliable winner.

Save

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need, plus some swap options:

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitution Options
All-purpose flour	Structure and stability	Cake flour for extra lightness (reduce by 2 tbsp)
Baking powder	Leavening and fluffiness	Can’t be substituted
Salt	Balances sweetness	Skip only if using salted butter/oil
Eggs	Binding and richness	Use flax eggs or yogurt for egg-free version
Oil	Moisture, softness	Melted butter or coconut oil
Milk	Moist crumb and batter balance	Almond, oat, or soy milk
Vanilla extract	Signature flavor	Vanilla bean paste or real vanilla seeds
Sugar	Sweetness and texture	Coconut sugar or monk fruit for sugar-conscious swaps

Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe with Measurements

Yield: 8-inch 2-layer cake or 9×13-inch sheet
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

✅ Ingredients (US & Metric):

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or Greek yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep Your Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cake pans with parchment or grease and flour them.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3️⃣ Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thick. Add oil and vanilla, then mix until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir gently. Fold in sour cream last for extra fluffiness.

5️⃣ Bake

Divide batter between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6️⃣ Cool & Frost

Let cakes cool completely before frosting with your choice of buttercream, whipped cream, or fruit.

ALSO READ: Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) Recipe

Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe with Oil

Oil in cakes is the secret to:

• Lighter, fluffier crumb
• Even moisture throughout
• Longer shelf life without drying out
  

Butter gives flavor, but oil ensures softness. Want both? Use half oil, half melted butter.

Vanilla Cake Recipe with Oil Instead of Butter

Here’s why oil works even better than butter in some vanilla cake recipes:

• Oil remains liquid at room temp, keeping the cake soft and spongy.
• It’s easier to mix—no creaming required.
• Perfect for one-bowl recipes and quick bakes.

Pro tip: Use light-tasting oil like vegetable or canola for the best vanilla flavor balance.

Baking Tips for a Fluffy, Perfect Crumb

• Don’t overmix—stir only until combined.
• Use room-temperature eggs and milk for better emulsification.
• Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes before baking to relax the gluten.
• Always test with a toothpick for doneness.
• Cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture.

Melt in Your Mouth Vanilla Cake Recipe Secrets

Want that magical, delicate crumb? Try these:

• Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to mimic cake flour
• Mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise (yes, really!) for extra silkiness
• Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a stronger flavor punch

Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe Version

Want a more airy, sponge-style cake?

• Separate the eggs
• Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form
• Fold them into the batter last
• Bake in a tube pan or sheet tray for best lift

This gives you that light-as-air, tear-apart sponge feel, perfect for layer cakes with fruit.

Frosting & Filling Pairing Ideas

• Classic Vanilla Buttercream: For timeless charm
• Strawberry Whipped Cream: For summer vibes
• Chocolate Ganache: For rich contrast
• Lemon Curd: For tart elegance
• Nutella or Caramel Drizzle: For indulgence

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

Method	Duration
Counter (unfrosted)	2 days, tightly wrapped
Fridge (frosted)	4–5 days, in airtight container
Freezer	2 months (wrap layers individually)

To thaw: Let defrost in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold ingredients—this affects rise and texture
• Overbaking—makes it dry, not fluffy
• Undermixing dry ingredients—leaves pockets of flour
• Skipping the cooling step before frosting
• Not measuring flour properly (spoon and level or use a scale)

Serving Ideas for All Occasions

• Birthday Cake Base
• Wedding or Engagement Cake
• Cupcakes for Baby Showers
• Brunch Treat with Berries & Cream
• Layered Tea Cake with Jam Filling
  

Dress it up or enjoy it plain—this cake suits any vibe!

Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 12 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290 kcal
Carbohydrates	36g
Fat	14g
Sugar	18g
Protein	4g

RELATED: Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this vanilla cake without eggs?

Yes—use flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) or 1/4 cup applesauce per egg.

2. What’s the best oil to use?

Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola, or light olive oil work best.

3. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! It makes about 24 cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

4. How do I make it dairy-free?

Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and use coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream.

5. Can I layer this cake?

Absolutely. It stacks well and holds up to frosting, fillings, and fondant.

6. Why is my cake dense?

Most common cause: overmixing. Stir gently, and measure flour correctly.

Conclusion

This Easy Fluffy Vanilla Cake Recipe is your ticket to soft, bakery-style results without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you follow the classic method or try the moist vanilla cake recipe with oil, this cake will never disappoint.

From casual cravings to show-stopping celebrations, this cake rises to every occasion—literally and figuratively. So grab your whisk and let the aroma of vanilla goodness fill your kitchen.