Best 6 Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the classic simplicity of a single-layer vanilla cake, a timeless dessert that captivates with its delicate flavor and versatile appeal. This collection of recipes offers a range of options to suit every baker's skill level and preference, from the classic Vanilla Cake with its moist crumb and rich vanilla flavor to the Sour Cream Vanilla Cake with its extra tender texture and tangy twist. For those seeking a gluten-free alternative, the Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake provides a delightful option with its light and fluffy texture.

Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to perfect your technique or a novice seeking an easy-to-follow guide, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. From the basic Vanilla Cake to the more elaborate Sour Cream Vanilla Cake and Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake, each recipe offers a unique twist on this beloved classic. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you with a mouthwatering single-layer vanilla cake, ready to be enjoyed as a simple dessert or transformed into an elaborate centerpiece.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

ONE LAYER CAKE RECIPE



One Layer Cake Recipe image

One Layer Cake recipe that's SO EASY and is perfectly moist and tender every time. No stand mixer required and your cake is ready in about 45 minutes start to finish!

Provided by Lucy Brewer

Categories     Cakes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/4 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
2 whole large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Frosting
1 stick unsalted butter
3 cups confectioners sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder
Pinch salt
2 tsps vanilla extract
4 tbsp half-and-half

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Butter and flour one 9-inch cake pan, then line the pan with parchment paper. Spray and flour the parchment paper, shaking out the excess flour.
  • In a large measuring cup, add the buttermilk, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla and almond extracts and beat with a fork until blended. Set aside.
  • Sift the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large bowl and blend on low using a hand mixer for about 30 seconds.
  • With the mixer running on low, add the butter, one piece at a time. Pour in the vegetable oil. Mix until the flour and butter clump together and appear pebbly, about 30 seconds after the vegetable oil has been added.
  • Pour in a little more than half of the buttermilk-egg mixture and mix on the lowest speed until blended, about 10 seconds. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until starting to appear light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Without turning off the mixer, add the remaining buttermilk mixture in a slow stream.
  • Stop the mixer and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then beat at medium-high speed for about 15 seconds until well-mixed.
  • Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
  • Cool pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen. Invert the cake onto a plate, peel off the parchment, then invert back onto the wire rack. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
  • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • Using hand mixer, blend butter until creamy. Sift confectioners sugar, cocoa, and salt into the butter. Mix until blended. Add vanilla and half-and-half and blend until spreadable consistency.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 8 servings, Calories 232 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 81 mg, Sodium 147 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 17 g

ONE-BOWL VANILLA CAKE RECIPE



One-Bowl Vanilla Cake recipe image

A fluffy and moist cake with the best easy vanilla frosting! All you need is one bowl and a whisk to make it!

Provided by Anna

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1.25 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk (see note)
1/2 cup hot water
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1.5 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour or line with parchment paper, an 8" square or round pan. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  • Add egg, buttermilk, vanilla and oil. Whisk together. Add hot water and whisk well until the batter is smooth. It will be runny but that's okay.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any air bubbles.
  • Bake cake for 25 to 28 minutes or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in a few places comes out clean.
  • Cool cake completely before frosting.
  • To make frosting: place butter in a medium mixing bowl and beat for 7 minutes. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time and beat in well. Add heavy cream and beat in for 1 minute. Add vanilla and mix in. The frosting should be very fluffy. Spread over cooled cake. Decorate with sprinkles.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425 kcal, Carbohydrate 50 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Sodium 150 mg, Sugar 37 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EASY VANILLA CAKE



Easy Vanilla Cake image

This vanilla cake is like, the best cake I have ever made. It's not too bland, and it's not too sweet. This is great for all occasions and easy to do in your spare time.

Provided by Sapphire Bang

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Yellow Cake Recipes

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

cooking spray
2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 pinches salt
3 eggs
¾ cup milk
¾ cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch cake tin with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
  • Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt together in a bowl. Add eggs, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix by hand or use an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add more flour if batter is too runny. Pour into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool, 15 to 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill slightly, 15 to 30 minutes more. Slice the cooled cake through the middle to make 2 layers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.6 calories, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 57.3 mg, Fat 18.6 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 206.6 mg, Sugar 21.2 g

BASIC ONE LAYER WHITE CAKE



Basic One Layer White Cake image

When split, this cake can be filled with cream for Boston Cream Pie, or Lemon Curd for a nice spring dessert

Provided by Linda Rider

Categories     Cakes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c butter, room temperature
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 c milk

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and dust with flour a single 9-inch round cake pan for a single layer cake. Dust two if you are doubling the recipe for a layer cake.
  • 2. 1. Cream the sugar, salt, and shortening together. Add the egg and beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla.
  • 3. 2. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together.
  • 4. 3. Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix briefly. Add about one-third of the milk and mix. Continue twice more with the remaining flour and milk. Do not over mix. Scrape the batter into the pan.
  • 5. 4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cake tests done with a toothpick. Let the cake rest in the pan for about five minutes and then remove it to a wire rack to continue cooling.

SIMPLE LAYER CAKE WITH VANILLA FROSTING



Simple Layer Cake with Vanilla Frosting image

This easy all-purpose yellow cake takes just a bit longer to make than one from a packaged mix, but it's worth it.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Cake Recipes

Time 2h

Yield Makes one 8-inch layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus more for cake pans and parchment
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
5 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment; butter parchment as well. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat well, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, beating until combined. Add milk and vanilla and beat until just combined.
  • Divide batter between pans; smooth tops with an offset spatula. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, 33 to 35 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks to cool completely.
  • Beat together butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium. Add confectioner's sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add salt, milk, and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. If not using immediately, cover surface of frosting with plastic wrap. Frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week. Before using, bring to room temperature, then beat on low speed until smooth.
  • Place 1 cake layer on a cake plate and spread 1 cup frosting on top. Place remaining cake layer on top. Spread top and sides of cake with remaining frosting, swirling to coat in a decorative fashion. (If frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate to firm up.) Cake can be covered with a cake dome and refrigerated overnight. Bring cake to room temperature before serving.

CLASSIC VANILLA CAKE



Classic Vanilla Cake image

The name says it all: This is the one to serve at birthdays and other celebrations that call for the perfect version of a traditional American layer cake. The oil in the batter keeps the cake moist, and the simple American buttercream is sweet and fluffy.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 3h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon fine salt
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk
3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Pinch fine salt
3 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottoms and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; dust with flour, and tap out the excess.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  • Beat the butter, sugar and oil in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla until combined.
  • Alternate folding the flour mixture and the milk into the batter with a spatula, adding the flour in three additions and the milk in two, starting and ending with the flour, until just smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  • Bake the cakes on the same oven rack until golden on top and the centers spring back to the touch, 35 to 40 minutes. Rotate the pans about halfway through if they seem to be browning unevenly. Let cool in the pans about 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks and let cool completely.
  • For the frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar. Once it's all been added, increase the speed to medium-high, and beat until white and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk, and beat to incorporate. Beat in the remaining milk, one tablespoon at a time (the frosting will be spreadable but not runny).
  • To assemble: Place 1 cake layer right-side up on a cake plate or stand, and spread with 1 cup of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Tips:

  • Proper Measurement: Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure ingredients, especially flour, for consistent results.
  • Mixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake; mix only until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Preparing the Cake Pan: Grease and flour the cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Oven Temperature: Strictly adhere to the recipe's specified oven temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent the cake from falling.
  • Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or slicing to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.

Conclusion:

With patience, attention to detail, and careful execution, you can create a moist, tender, and flavorful single-layer vanilla cake that serves as a perfect base for various frosting and decoration options. Embrace the joy of baking and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this classic dessert that brings warmth and delight to any occasion. Happy baking!

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