Easy One Bowl Vanilla Cake

Name: Easy One Bowl Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites

I absolutely love how simple and delightful this Easy One Bowl Vanilla Cake is! It brings together the joy of baking without the mess of multiple bowls. With just one bowl, I can whip up a moist and fluffy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The aroma of vanilla fills my kitchen, instantly uplifting my spirits. I appreciate this cake for its versatility; whether served plain, topped with a glaze, or dressed up with fresh fruits, it never fails to impress my family and friends. Let me show you how easy it can be!

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-02-10T23:05:37.385Z

One Sunday, I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen. I decided to try my luck with a one-bowl recipe that promised to be quick yet delicious. As I mixed the ingredients, the simplicity of the process made me feel excited, knowing I’d have cake in no time!

What I discovered was that using room temperature ingredients really made a difference in the batter’s texture—smooth and fluffy! The cake rose beautifully in the oven, and the sweet scent of vanilla enveloped my home. It was a delightful treat that brought smiles all around!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredibly easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Versatile for any occasion; perfect as a plain cake or dressed up.

Baking Basics: The Importance of Each Ingredient

In this Easy One Bowl Vanilla Cake, every ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that moist and airy texture. For instance, the all-purpose flour provides structure, while the baking powder helps the cake rise perfectly to create a light crumb. It’s crucial to measure these ingredients accurately—too much flour can make your cake dense, while too little may prevent it from rising properly. Make sure to fluff up the flour before measuring for precision!

The choice of butter in this recipe adds richness, enhancing both flavor and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content in your cake, ensuring that the vanilla flavor stands out gloriously. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter can serve as great substitutes without sacrificing the cake's tender crumb.

Techniques for Perfect Cake Texture

Mixing the batter properly is critical for achieving that desired light and fluffy texture. When adding the wet ingredients to the dry mix, combine gently until just incorporated; over-mixing can lead to a tough cake. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures all flour is blended in and avoids any dry pockets. I find using a rubber spatula helps achieve this without overworking the batter.

During baking, keeping an eye on the cake’s edges can provide visual cues. You want them to pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, which indicates that the cake is set. Make sure to check for doneness using a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Timing may vary slightly based on your oven, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin baking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t over-mix.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy as is, or decorate as you wish!

Enjoy your freshly baked cake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or some lemon zest to the batter.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Once the cake has cooled entirely, feel free to serve it plain for a humble treat or elevate it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and whipped cream, turning it into a delightful dessert that's sure to impress! Exploring flavors by adding lemon zest or almond extract can add another layer of taste. You can even split the cake into two layers and fill it with your favorite frosting or fruit preserves for an added touch.

If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, this vanilla cake also freezes quite well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn, and they can last for up to three months. Make sure to label your packages, so you remember when you made it!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're experiencing a cake that seems too dense, it could have been overmixed or improperly measured. Always level your dry ingredients with a straight edge for accuracy, and be gentle when combining wet and dry mixes. If the cake domes in the center, this can indicate that the oven is too hot, leading to rapid rising. An oven thermometer can be really helpful to ensure your baking process is spot-on.

For those looking to modify the recipe for dietary needs, gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for that essential structure. If you'd like a lower sugar option, using a sugar substitute appropriate for baking can also work, though keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly, so aim for one that mimics sugar closely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute, using 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.