Small Vanilla Cake

Name: Small Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup caster sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; Pinch of salt

Published: November 28, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Small Vanilla Cake

This incredible Small Vanilla Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Small Vanilla Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: A reliable base for our cake; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Caster Sugar: Fine sugar that dissolves easily, creating that lovely sweetness without grittiness.
Baking Powder: This little magic powder helps the cake rise and stay light.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for optimal flavor control; trust me, it makes all the difference!
Eggs: They bind everything together—fresh eggs work wonders in achieving fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Go for pure vanilla extract to get that rich and aromatic flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk gives it that creamy richness you crave.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Small Vanilla Cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a round cake pan and grease it with some butter or nonstick spray so our cake can slide out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent so we don’t end up with one side of our cake being as flat as my attempts at adulting.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it! It’ll look like little clouds forming in your bowl; resist the urge to dive in right away.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Crack those eggs one at a time into your butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Pour in vanilla extract like you’re adding magic dust—it truly is! Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add half of the flour mixture followed by half of the milk to your batter. Mix gently until just combined; repeat with remaining ingredients to avoid overmixing—nobody likes tough cake!

Step 6: Bake & Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center. Let it cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it onto wire racks.

Once cooled completely, slice yourself a generous piece (or two) and enjoy this delightful Small Vanilla Cake! Top with whipped cream or fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy—just remember to save some for later because this cake will disappear faster than leftovers on pizza night!

You Must Know About Small Vanilla Cake

This showstopping Small Vanilla Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Mix the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Combine the wet ingredients next, and finally, fold everything together before pouring into the pans for baking perfection.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Small Vanilla Cake by adding lemon zest for a citrus twist or chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. You can also swap vanilla extract for almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous—your taste buds will thank you!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Small Vanilla Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness again.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Small Vanilla Cake

This professional-quality Small Vanilla Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Every time I bake this Small Vanilla Cake, I’m reminded of my friend’s birthday last year when it became the star of the party—everyone raved about it! It felt amazing to share such a delicious treat with loved ones.

FAQs

What is Small Vanilla Cake?

A Small Vanilla Cake is a delightful dessert known for its light, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor. This cake is perfect for small gatherings or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, it embodies the classic essence of vanilla cakes. Its petite size makes it easy to serve and enjoy without overwhelming guests. Whether topped with frosting or served plain, a Small Vanilla Cake can brighten any table and satisfy your sweet tooth.

How do I store a Small Vanilla Cake?

To keep your Small Vanilla Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its shelf life for about a week. For even longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature before serving. Proper storage ensures that your cake maintains its delicious flavor and moist texture.

Can I customize my Small Vanilla Cake?

Absolutely! Customizing your Small Vanilla Cake is fun and easy. You can enhance its flavor by adding ingredients like lemon zest or almond extract. For a colorful touch, incorporate sprinkles into the batter or top the cake with fresh fruits. Additionally, consider different frostings such as chocolate or cream cheese to personalize each bite. The versatility of this recipe allows you to create a unique cake tailored to your taste preferences while still enjoying the classic vanilla base.

What occasions are suitable for serving a Small Vanilla Cake?

A Small Vanilla Cake is suitable for various occasions due to its charming size and appealing flavor. It’s perfect for birthday celebrations, afternoon tea parties, baby showers, or just as a delightful dessert after dinner. Its simplicity allows it to fit into both casual and formal events. You can easily dress it up with decorations or serve it plain for a more understated treat. Whichever way you choose to present it, this cake will surely impress your guests.

Conclusion

In summary, a Small Vanilla Cake is an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious yet simple dessert option. Its adaptability allows for customization based on personal preferences and various occasions. With easy storage methods ensuring freshness, this cake remains a reliable favorite among dessert lovers. Whether served at parties or enjoyed on quiet evenings at home, the Small Vanilla Cake brings joy with every slice. Embrace this recipe and create memorable moments around this delightful treat!

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