9 Easy Vanilla Cake Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Written by Sarah in Dessert

Are busy weeknights stealing your time? Let’s make life sweeter with easy vanilla cake recipes that don’t require much fuss! Perfect for dessert or unexpected guests, these delightful treats are quick to whip up, giving you more time to relax after a long day. Dive into this list of simple, flavor-packed recipes that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth!

1. Classic Vanilla Buttercake

This buttery delight melts in your mouth!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, and sifted flour with baking powder.
  3. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add lemon zest for a citrus twist or swirl in your favorite jam before baking!

2. Vanilla Yogurt Cake

A light and fluffy cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, sugar, and eggs. Add oil, flour, baking powder, and vanilla.
  3. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Try with different flavored yogurt or add fresh fruits into the batter.

3. Vanilla Sheet Cake

Perfect for parties with effortless cutting!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a greased sheet pan.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Switch vanilla for almond extract and garnish with sliced almonds!

4. Vanilla Cupcakes

Cute little treats perfect for sharing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Fill cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Use chocolate chips or swirl in Nutella for a yummy surprise!

5. One-Bowl Vanilla Cake

Less mess, more cake!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine all ingredients in one bowl; mix until smooth.
  3. Pour into greased pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Stir in cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or add nuts for crunch!

6. Vanilla Chiffon Cake

A light and airy dessert that feels fancy!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 5 large eggs (separated)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Beat egg yolks, oil, water, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in flour and baking powder.
  3. Whip egg whites and gently fold in. Pour into a tube pan and bake for 60 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add a layer of whipped cream and berries for extra flair!

7. Vanilla Pudding Cake

A cozy dessert that’s easy to whip up!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water (for the topping)

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add milk, butter, and vanilla.
  3. Pour into a baking dish, add water, and bake for 40 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips or a dash of nutmeg for warmth!

8. Easy Vanilla Mug Cake

Quick fix for instant cake cravings!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

  1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
  2. Add milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
  3. Microwave for 1-1.5 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Top with a dollop of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon!

9. Vanilla Bean Cake

Real vanilla flavor in every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla bean paste, then flour and powder.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a greased pan.

Make it Unique:
Pair with fresh berries or a rich chocolate sauce for a treat!

Ready to bake some vanilla magic? These straightforward recipes are all about embracing the joy of home baking without the stress. Choose one, or tackle them all, and let the sweet aromas of vanilla fill your kitchen! Happy baking!

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