The Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake (Victoria Sponge Style)

Craving a classic homemade vanilla cake? This easy Victoria Sponge recipe delivers a light, tender crumb and pure vanilla flavor. Perfect for afternoon tea! Get the recipe now. ... Desserts & Treats
- Ingredients & Equipment
- The Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake (Victoria Sponge Style) Recipe Card
- Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
- Baking Begins: The Step-by-Step
- Pro Tips and Tricks
- Serving It Up Right
- Storing Like a Pro
- Playing Around With The Recipe
- Nutrition 101 (The Simple Version)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's dive into something truly comforting. ever craved a cake that just tastes like home ? like your nan's secret recipe, even if you don't have a nan? well, buckle up buttercup! we're making a homemade vanilla cake .
Quick Hook to Vanilla Bliss
This isn't just any cake, it's the simple homemade vanilla cake that dreams are made of. we're aiming for that light, fluffy texture and that unmistakable, pure vanilla flavour.
Honestly, who can resist?
The Wonderful World of Vanilla
This classic vanilla cake recipe takes its inspiration from the british victoria sponge cake recipe . it's a simple, elegant bake perfect for afternoon tea or any occasion that needs a touch of sweetness.
It's an easy vanilla cake from scratch , so don't be intimidated. this vanilla cake easy recipe is beginner-friendly. it yields 8-10 slices of pure joy.
Why This Vanilla Cake Rocks
Let's talk benefits. besides being utterly delicious, this cream cake recipe homemade style offers a serious comfort factor. think of it as a hug in cake form.
It's the perfect centrepiece for a birthday party, a special easy baking recipes occasion, or just a "because i deserve it" kind of day.
Plus, the pure vanilla sponge cake recipe uses real vanilla, which boasts antioxidant properties. what makes this recipe special? it is a simple homemade vanilla cake that allows you to flex your creative muscle with variations and frosting options.
Time to Gather Your Vanilla Cake Recipe Ingredients
Ready to roll? next up, we'll get into those all-important vanilla cake recipe ingredients . i'll walk you through everything you need to make this magical cake happen.
It is just like baking with friends.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up the perfect homemade vanilla cake ! i reckon even a complete beginner can get this right.
This vanilla cake recipe ingredients section will break it all down, easy peasy.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
This classic vanilla cake recipe hinges on good stuff. Here's what you'll need. Measurements are in both US and metric, because, you know, we gotta be inclusive.
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, plus a bit for dusting.
- 2 tsp baking powder. It helps the vanilla sponge cake recipe rise beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt.
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) or 225g unsalted butter, softened. It needs to be soft. Trust me.
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar.
- 2 large eggs.
- 2 large egg whites. They add some lightness.
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract. Don't skimp on this! Go for quality; it matters.
Seasoning Notes
Spices might seem minimal in a simple homemade vanilla cake , but they're secretly powerful.
- Vanilla extract: The star! Use pure vanilla. Imitation won't cut it here.
- Substitutions? A tiny splash of almond extract works in a pinch.
- A little lemon zest is a flavor enhancer here. Zest from 1/2 a lemon will do it!
Equipment Needed
No need for fancy gadgets when baking this cream cake recipe homemade . I will be using my favorite hand mixer!
- Two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Parchment paper. Lining the bottoms keeps the cake from sticking.
- Mixer. Hand or stand, your choice.
- Mixing bowls. Obvious, right?
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wire rack. Important for cooling.
I think this recipe is the Easy Vanilla Cake From Scratch , you'll ever try!
Now, that Vanilla Cake Easy Recipe is all laid out. See? Not scary at all. You can make this homemade cake from scratch no problem! Think you'll give my Victoria sponge cake recipe a go? I swear it's one of the most easy baking recipes going!
Alright, let's talk homemade vanilla cake ! we are going to bake a classic vanilla cake that will make you feel like you are on the great british bake off.
You know? it's that type of bake that becomes a staple and you have to keep the vanilla cake easy recipe on hand.
This recipe delivers that easy vanilla cake from scratch taste we all adore.
The Perfect Homemade Vanilla Cake (Victoria Sponge Style) Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First up, get organised. it's the secret sauce for stress-free baking, trust me! soften your butter; it needs to be at room temperature.
Get the eggs out too so they are not fridge cold. this helps everything blend smoothly.
Measure out all your vanilla cake recipe ingredients before you even turn on the oven. i learned this the hard way - fumbling for flour while the butter is creaming is not a good look.
It's like a culinary orchestra and your ingredients are the instruments. prep time is about 20 minutes .

Baking Begins: The Step-by-Step
- Heat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Parchment paper circles in the bottom are key.
- Whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour , 2 tsp baking powder , and 1/2 tsp salt .
- Cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3- 5 minutes .
- Beat in 2 eggs , and 2 egg whites .
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and 1 cup milk . Start and end with dry, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract .
- Divide the batter and bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Don't overmix. overmixing leads to a tough cake. mix until just combined. this is essential. make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature.
The homemade cake from scratch is so much better when you follow this tip. another good tip is weighing the batter before pouring it into the pans.
Let the cake cool completely before you even think about frosting. otherwise, it will melt. if you are feeling it, try this cream cake recipe homemade by whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, sweeten with confectioners' sugar and vanilla! also you can use some easy baking recipes to make decorations.
This simple homemade vanilla cake is a classic, i swear, the smell alone will transport you back to childhood birthdays.
Enjoy!
Alright, let's chat recipe notes for this awesome homemade vanilla cake . this isn't just a recipe, it's a path to a perfect victoria sponge cake recipe , remember the key to a good vanilla cake is a good sponge.
Honestly, it is easy vanilla cake from scratch .
Serving It Up Right
Presentation is Key, Darling!
Plating matters, you know? it just does! a simple dusting of icing sugar does wonders. oh my gosh, think about layering it with fresh strawberries and raspberries, now that is a classic.
Got some edible flowers? chuck 'em on! as for drinks, how about a lovely cup of tea?
Sidekicks That Shine
What goes with vanilla sponge cake recipe ? Vanilla ice cream is always a winner. Fresh berries bring a bit of zing. Or, get fancy with a lemon curd. Seriously!
Storing Like a Pro
Fridge Realness
Pop the cake in an airtight container. Should keep for about 3 days. Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!
Freezing for Future You
Wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. It will last a couple of months. This helps you to have ready an easy baking recipes .
Reheating 101
Just let it thaw naturally. No need to nuke it! A slice of heaven whenever you fancy!
Playing Around With The Recipe
Dietary Swaps
Want a gluten-free cream cake recipe homemade ? Use a gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy. Or try dairy-free vanilla cake easy recipe using almond milk and vegan butter.
Seasonal Twists
Use different fruits based on what's in season. Rhubarb in spring is heavenly. Autumn calls for apples!
Nutrition 101 (The Simple Version)
Basics Breakdown
This classic vanilla cake is mostly carbs and fat. A treat, not a health food!
Little Wins
Vanilla can be a bit of a mood booster. So, there's that! If you need to have it as a treat, that is a mood booster and is good.
So, there you have it. a simple guide to enjoying your simple homemade vanilla cake . this isn't just about following a recipe, it's about making it your own.
Get creative and bake with love. now go bake a homemade cake from scratch and enjoy! honestly, you have got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my homemade vanilla cake turn out dry?
A dry homemade vanilla cake is a common baking woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on the Great British Baking Show! Overbaking is the most frequent culprit, so check for doneness with a skewer a little earlier than the recipe suggests. Also, be careful not to overmeasure your flour; spoon it lightly into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Can I make this homemade vanilla cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baking ahead can save you a lot of stress, especially if you're hosting a "bake off" of your own. Bake the cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap (once completely cooled, of course!), and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Just remember to let them thaw completely before frosting.
What's the best way to store leftover vanilla cake?
To keep your leftover vanilla cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Refrigerating will make it a bit firmer, but it will also last longer. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag; that way you have a slice for tea with friends!
How can I prevent my homemade vanilla cake from sticking to the pan?
Preventing cake sticking is essential for a picture-perfect bake, otherwise you'll have a Paul Hollywood critique on your hands. Generously grease your cake pans with butter or baking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. For extra insurance, line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper circles. This ensures your cake releases cleanly every time.
Can I add chocolate chips to my homemade vanilla cake?
Adding chocolate chips is a delightful twist on a classic! Gently fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white – whatever floats your boat!) into the batter before baking. Remember to fold gently so as not to overmix the batter and toughen the cake. It adds a lovely textural element and a hint of chocolatey goodness.
I'm watching my sugar intake; can I reduce the sugar in this homemade vanilla cake recipe?
You can reduce the sugar, but be mindful that it affects the cake's texture and moisture. Start by reducing it by about 1/4 cup (50g) and see how it goes. You could also try using a natural sugar substitute, but remember to follow the package instructions carefully, as some substitutes bake differently than granulated sugar. Remember, everything in moderation, even a delicious homemade treat!