Sometimes, the best desserts are the ones that feel familiar and comforting without any fuss. This vanilla cake mix is exactly that—easy to throw together, dependable, and surprisingly satisfying. You don’t have to be an expert baker to create a moist, fluffy cake that feels just right for a quiet afternoon treat or an impromptu celebration.
I remember the first time I made this cake. I was juggling a few things in the kitchen, and the batter looked thinner than I expected. I hesitated for a second, wondering if I’d messed up, but I went ahead and poured it into the pans anyway. Later, when the cakes came out golden and tender, I realized sometimes the simplest recipes surprise us the most. That moment made me appreciate how forgiving and reliable this mix is, even when my attention drifts.
- The cake is wonderfully moist and airy, making it a great base for any frosting you like—or just a dusting of sugar if you’re keeping it simple.
- It’s quick to prepare, so you can satisfy a sweet craving without dedicating all afternoon to baking.
- Because it’s a classic vanilla cake, it’s versatile for layering or customizing with your favorite flavors, though it’s perfectly lovely on its own.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or weird ingredients, just good cake.
If you’re worried about the batter looking thin or the baking time, I’ve found that patience is key; the texture turns out just right once cooled. Plus, it’s forgiving enough that even if you’re multitasking, the cake won’t let you down.
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Vanilla Cake Mix
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
A simple and classic vanilla cake mix recipe that yields a moist and fluffy vanilla cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
When it comes to kitchen setup, you really only need basic pans and a mixer or a whisk to get started. I usually serve this cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and sometimes I throw in fresh berries on the side if I have them around. You might try swapping the boiling water for flavored tea to add a subtle twist, although I haven’t tested every variation. Another idea is to fold in a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavor, but that’s optional and depends on your mood. If you’re in a rush, baking this in one larger pan instead of two rounds works fine too, though the baking time might shift slightly.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: I haven’t tried it with gluten-free flour, but in theory, a blend designed for cakes could work. Just be sure to check your baking powder and other ingredients for gluten.
Q: How should I store leftover cake? A: Wrapping it tightly at room temperature keeps it fresh for a couple of days, but freezing is a good option if you want to keep it longer.
Q: Is the boiling water necessary? A: Yes, it helps keep the cake moist and tender, even if the batter looks surprisingly thin at first.
This vanilla cake mix brings a little extra warmth and ease to your baking routine. Give it a go, and see how a simple cake can brighten your day.