• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
 Trending:  Easy Recipes
Erren's Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Finder
    • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizer
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Side
      • Dessert
      • Drinks
    • Type
      • Quick and Easy
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Rice Dishes
      • Comfort Food
      • Slow Cooker
    • Protein
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Beef, Pork, & Lamb
    • Cuisine
      • Italian Food
      • Asian Food
      • American
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican Food
      • Southern
    • Method
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot/One Pan
      • Oven-Baked and Roasted Recipes
      • Stovetop
    • Desserts
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Pies & Tarts
      • Muffins, Breads & Donuts
      • Ice Cream Recipes
  • Videos
  • Conversions
    • US Sticks of Butter Conversion Charts
    • Basic ounces to grams weight conversions
    • Oven Temperature Conversions
    • Butter in the US and the Rest of the World
    • British Dessert Spoon Conversions
    • US Cups to ounces & grams for common ingredients
    • Basic Volume Conversions
  • About
    • Erren’s Kitchen
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Erren
    • Collaborate
    • Life Stories
    • Contact
    • Our Philosophy

Specialties:

Quick & Easy
Italian
Poultry
Better Than Takeout!
Desserts
Meat
Pasta
Home / Cakes & Cupcakes

Super Simple Cake Recipe

Easy doesn't mean you need to compromise on taste. This simple cake recipe has a rich vanilla flavor with a soft crumb and super moist texture.

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

03/25/2025
4.88 from 39 votes
Jump to Recipe Video
Serves: 24
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 40 minutes mins
A sheet pan of vanilla cake with a slice cut out of it.

vanilla cake on a plate topped with frosting and sprinkles

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

This Super Simple Cake Recipe uses basic ingredients as well as equipment to make a fantastic, tender, and moist cake completely from scratch.

Need a super simple frosting to top this cake? Try my Easy Buttercream or Chocolate Ganache Frosting.

a sheet pan of vanilla cake with a slice cut out of it
Pin This Recipe For Later!

This recipe is genuinely the easiest cake I’ve ever made. Not only that, but with its outstanding vanilla flavor, delectably soft crumb, and super moist texture, it’s not just simple but delicious too!

Why This Recipe Works

  • The combination of butter and oil adds moisture and a buttery taste.
  • Buttermilk adds a tasty tang as well as extra moisture.
  • Vanilla adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • Using four eggs adds structure and gives the cake lightness and stability.

Easy Vanilla Cake

I’ve been on a mission to make life easier for anyone short on time. I know many people who would like to bake but don’t because dragging out the mixer and tracking down ingredients is just too much trouble. This easy recipe requires nothing more than mixing bowls and a whisk. That’s it! Dessert couldn’t be simpler!

How To Make Easy Cake From Scratch

In a small mixing bowl, add the wet ingredients.

wet ingredients in a bowl with a whisk

To make your own buttermilk for this recipe, add ¾ tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cups of milk (full fat is best, but low fat or skim will work). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes. The mixture may be a little curdled, but that’s just fine.

In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.

dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk

Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients.

wet ingredients being poured into dry ingredients in a bowl with a whisk

Mix until smooth.

cake batter being mixed in a bowl

Add to a greased baking pan.

cake batter in a cake pan

bake until golden.

a freshly baked cake still in the pan

Frost and serve.

vanilla cake on a plate topped with frosting and sprinkles

Different Pan Sizes

This recipe makes a 9×13 in cake, two 8-inch rounds, two 9-inch rounds, or 24-36 cupcakes. See the recipe notes for baking times.

How To Tell If Cake Is Done

  • Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the cake, and if it comes out clean, it is ready.
  • Gently press on the cake, and if it springs back quickly without leaving an indent, it’s ready

Tips For best Results

  • Follow the recipe closely. I know you’ll be tempted to throw everything in the bowl and mix, but mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them helps prevent over mixing, which will ruin the cake texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. Cake batter mixes evenly when all the ingredients are about the same temperature. Set out your ingredients 1 hour before beginning and allow the melted butter to cool before using it.
  • To make your own buttermilk for this recipe, add ¾ tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cups of milk (full fat is best, but low fat or skim will work). Stir and let sit for 5 minutes. The mixture may be a little curdled, but that’s just fine.
  • For homemade buttermilk, full-fat milk works best to produce a moister cake. That said, low-fat milk will work too.
  • Cool cake completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will melt the frosting.
  • Need a super simple frosting to top this cake? Try my Easy Buttercream or Chocolate Ganache Frosting.

Freezing & Storing

Storing: Cake covered at room temperature will last up to three days.

To Freeze: This cake freezes beautifully. Leave the unfrosted cake in the pan, cover with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to a month.

Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love

  • Victoria Sponge Cake
  • Rich Vanilla Cake
  • Brown Sugar Cake

Rate This Recipe

Click here to leave a star rating!

vanilla cake on a plate topped with frosting and sprinkles

Recipe

Super Simple Cake Recipe

Easy doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste. This simple cake recipe has a rich vanilla flavor with a soft crumb and super moist texture.
4.88 from 39 votes
Print
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Total Time: 50 minutes mins
Serves 24

Ingredients

  • 12 tablespoons butter (melted and cooled)
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F/175C and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the wet ingredients and mix well to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry and mix until just combined.
  • Pour into the prepared pan and bake 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Tips

Baking Times For Different Pan Sizes:
For two 8-inch round pans, bake 30-35 minutes.
For two 9-inch round pans, bake 25-30 minutes.
For 24-36 cupcakes, 15-20 minutes
  • Follow the recipe closely. I know you’ll be tempted to throw everything in the bowl and mix, but mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them helps prevent overmixing, which will ruin the cake texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients. The cake batter mixes evenly when all the ingredients are about the same temperature. Set out your ingredients 1 hour before beginning and allow the melted butter to cool before using it.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding one teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes. The mixture may be a little curdled, but that’s just fine.
  • For homemade buttermilk, full-fat milk works best to produce a moister cake. That said, low-fat milk will work too.
  • Cool cake completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will melt the frosting.
  • Need a super simple frosting to top this cake? Try my Easy Buttercream or Chocolate Ganache Frosting.
Show Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Nutrition

Calories: 184 | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Created by Erren Hart
Save to favoritesYour saved recipes will be right here waiting for you every time you visit, so you can easily find and make the meals you love.

4.88 from 39 votes (16 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:




58 responses

  1. Sam Avatar
    Sam
    06/30/2023

    I made this recipe with my 5 year old since it was so simple. It turned out so delicious! I only had cake flour so I used that and it was great. It was so good that I used the recipe for a birthday cake the next week! Loved how simply and quick it was.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      07/03/2023

      That’s wonderful to hear! I’m glad you and your 5-year-old had a great time making the recipe together and that you enjoyed it so much! Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope you continue to enjoy baking and creating delicious treats with your little one!

      Reply
  2. Jenn Avatar
    Jenn
    06/30/2023

    Turned out amazing, will continue making it! Made it with “Basic Granulated Sugar Icing” (I didn’t have icing sugar so I followed this recipe for granulated sugar and you can’t taste it) and was pleasantly surprised. The icing is the perfect ratio to this cake.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      06/30/2023

      Hi Jenn, Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your positive feedback! I’m so glad to hear that the cake turned out amazing and that you plan on making it again. It’s wonderful that you found a great icing to pair it with. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe. I hope you continue to enjoy it in the future!

      Reply
  3. Joan Avatar
    Joan
    06/29/2023

    Followed this recipe exactly and it did not rise, very greasy. Don’t waste your ingredients and time. Only gave a star as I didn’t think I could give zero stars.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      06/30/2023

      Hi Joan, I apologize for the disappointing outcome of your cake. It’s understandable that it can be frustrating when things don’t turn out as expected. There are a few factors that could have led to your issues. Overmixing the batter may have contributed to the lack of rise that you experienced. It’s important to stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined to prevent gluten development. Additionally, using fresh baking soda and ensuring correct measurements of flour and liquid ingredients are essential for proper rising. Again, I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask.

      Reply
  4. Monique Avatar
    Monique
    06/10/2023

    Love this recipe ❤️

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      06/12/2023

      Your positive feedback is much appreciated. I’m glad the recipe worked out for you.

      Reply
  5. Cynthia Avatar
    Cynthia
    04/08/2023

    Can I use olive oil or coconut oil instead of canola to make this cake?

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      04/08/2023

      While you can substitute olive oil or coconut oil for canola oil in baking recipes, it can sometimes change the flavor and texture of the final product. Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, which makes it a good choice for baking. Olive oil and coconut oil, on the other hand, have distinct flavors that may not be desirable in a vanilla cake. If you do choose to use one of these oils, make sure to use a refined version to avoid any overpowering flavor.

      Reply
  6. Terry Ann Avatar
    Terry Ann
    03/11/2023

    This is the perfect recipe for a quick and easy cake! I whipped it up in no time, and it turned out beautifully. The cake was moist and delicious, and the simple ingredients made it easy to combine with what I already had. I especially appreciated the easy-to-follow instructions – it made baking this cake a breeze. I will definitely be adding this recipe to my go-to list for simple desserts. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      03/13/2023

      Thank you so much for trying the recipe and for sharing your wonderful feedback! I’m thrilled that you found the recipe quick and easy to make and that the cake turned out moist and delicious. I’m glad you found the simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions helpful in putting it together. I’m honored to have this recipe added to your go-to list for simple desserts, and thank you again for leaving a comment. Happy baking!

      Reply
  7. Wren Avatar
    Wren
    12/26/2021

    Great recipe, I made 1 last night. Halved the qty, so did one 9-inch round pan. I want to make it again tonight using the qty for 24 servings instead of 12, will use same 9-inch round pan as it is a tall pan, so I hope to get a tall round cake. But I wonder how long I should set baking time…. ?

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      12/26/2021

      Hi Wren, 25-35 minutes, depending on the pan and oven. I’m so glad you like the recipe!

      Reply
      1. Wren Avatar
        Wren
        12/27/2021

        Thank you for the reply! Noted.

  8. Erren Hart Avatar
    Erren Hart
    11/22/2021

    So happy to hear it! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!

    Reply
  9. Flora Avatar
    Flora
    05/07/2021

    This recipe is really delicious. I made it with your easy chocolate frosting yesterday. Perfect 🥰

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      05/08/2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🥰

      Reply
  10. Stephie Avatar
    Stephie
    04/01/2021

    This cake is great. It’s soft has a delicate texture and is really delicious.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      04/01/2021

      I’m so delighted to hear it! 🙂

      Reply
←Older Comments
1 2 3
Newer Comments→
A woman with long dark hair and a dark blue shirt is smiling while leaning on a kitchen counter. In front of her are a plate of pasta and a cutting board with chopped herbs. A potted plant, a cooking pot, and a marble backsplash are in the background.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen! Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients.

MORE ABOUT ERREN

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL!

Don’t forget to tag me on social @ErrensKitchen to be featured!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X

Win a $100!

Join the Made with Erren Challenge for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Find Out More

Trending


  • Best EVER Potato Wedges

    Best EVER Potato Wedges

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

    The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

  • Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

    Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

  • Award Winning Banana Bread

    Award Winning Banana Bread

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Reader Favorites


  • Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Ultimate Orange Cake

    Ultimate Orange Cake

  • Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

    Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

Quick
Desserts
Dinner
Comforts
Poultry
Pasta
Meat
Seafood
Sides

Favorite Recipes from 2024

These posts were seen over 4.5 million times!

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

    Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

  • Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

    Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Donut Glaze Recipe

    Donut Glaze Recipe

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Still hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter for all my latest recipes!

All Recipes
Dinner Ideas
Conversion Guide
Quick & Easy
Erren hart of Erren's Kitchen leaning on a kitchen island.

About your Chef

I’m Erren, I have a passion for cooking and baking from scratch to create simple, nourishing, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives you find in prepackaged foods.

Meet Erren
Life Updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
Contact
Work with Me
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

© All Rights Reserved. Brand by MRD. Site by OC.

331 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.