Soft Vanilla Snack Cake From Scratch
Highlighted under: Golden Sweets
I absolutely adore baking my own sweet treats, and this soft vanilla snack cake is one of my favorites. With its tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it's perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this cake incredibly approachable even for beginner bakers. I love that this recipe showcases the beauty of vanilla, allowing its aroma and taste to shine through without any distractions. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a delightful finishing touch!
When I first attempted this vanilla snack cake, I was surprised by how just a few quality ingredients could yield such a delightful treat. The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates an aromatic base that makes the kitchen feel welcoming. I remember using a high-quality vanilla extract for the first time, and it truly elevated the flavor of the cake!
One crucial tip I've learned over the years is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined ensures the cake remains light and fluffy, which is key to achieving that soft texture. Trust me, it's worth the extra care!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
- Rich vanilla flavor that stands out beautifully
- Perfectly versatile for any occasion or topping
The Importance of Vanilla
Vanilla extract is the star of this soft vanilla snack cake, and its quality makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for the best results. This adds depth and richness that truly enhances the cake's overall taste. If you’re looking for flavor variations, consider using vanilla bean paste for those delightful specks or even a splash of almond extract to introduce a subtle, complementary note.
Additionally, using fresh ingredients, particularly eggs and dairy, contributes to a richer flavor and better texture. Room temperature eggs blend more easily with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter. If you're short on time, you can warm the eggs slightly in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes before using them.
Baking Techniques for Success
When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This incorporation of air helps create that tender crumb we love in cakes. Mix on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. If your butter is too soft or melted, the cake may not rise well, resulting in a dense texture. To ensure ideal butter consistency, it should be softened but still hold its shape when you press it.
As you combine the dry and wet ingredients, be mindful not to overmix. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, as it develops the gluten in the flour. This soft vanilla snack cake is intended to be light and moist, so treat that batter with care!
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 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. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your cake with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
Storage Tips
To keep your soft vanilla snack cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep it over a longer period, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freezing it. This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before serving, as this will help maintain its fluffy texture.
If you notice the cake drying out slightly after a couple of days, try serving it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add moisture and enhance flavor. This works wonderfully for transforming it into a delightful dessert after dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This soft vanilla snack cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple treat, or elevate it with fresh fruits like berries or sliced peaches for a burst of flavor. A drizzle of chocolate ganache can also add a lovely richness, making it feel more indulgent, especially when entertaining guests.
For a fun variation, consider turning this cake into a layered dessert by slicing it horizontally and spreading whipped cream and fruit in the middle. This will give the cake an attractive presentation and an exciting flavor profile, perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
→ How should I store the leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
→ What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Soft Vanilla Snack Cake From Scratch
I absolutely adore baking my own sweet treats, and this soft vanilla snack cake is one of my favorites. With its tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it's perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this cake incredibly approachable even for beginner bakers. I love that this recipe showcases the beauty of vanilla, allowing its aroma and taste to shine through without any distractions. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a delightful finishing touch!
Created by: Lydia Spencer
Recipe Type: Golden Sweets
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g