There’s something undeniably comforting about baking a simple cake from scratch. Whether you’re just beginning your baking journey or you’re a seasoned pro needing a reliable go-to recipe, this classic treat delivers. No frills, no fuss—just soft, fluffy cake with that nostalgic, homemade taste. Perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or just because you’re craving something sweet.

This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to make the perfect simple cake, why this version stands out, and how to store it like a pro. Ready to create magic with flour and sugar?

Don’t miss our Neapolitan Cak e for more easy ideas you’ll love.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cake Recipe

Quick & Easy – Minimal steps, no fancy tools, and beginner-friendly.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Birthdays, family dinners, or last-minute guests.
Crowd-Pleaser – Light, moist, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Customizable – Add fruits, spices, or toppings to make it your own.

Unlike many store-bought or overly complicated versions, this recipe keeps things truly homemade and comforting. The smooth vanilla base offers the perfect canvas for your creativity or stands beautifully on its own.

Ingredients Needed

To make this simple cake, here’s what you’ll need. All ingredients are easy to find and may already be in your kitchen:

For the Batter

1 cup granulated white sugar – Gives the cake its sweet, tender crumb.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Brings in richness and moisture.
2 large eggs, at room temperature – Helps with structure and fluffiness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds that classic, cozy flavor.

Dry Ingredients (Whisk Separately)

1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake; sift for best results.
1¾ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise perfectly.

Wet Ingredient

½ cup whole milk – Adds moisture and binds everything together.

Tip: For a richer flavor, you can substitute milk with buttermilk or add a touch of almond extract for variation.

How to Make Simple Cake

Follow these clear, easy steps to create your perfect simple cake every time:

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch square cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour. This ensures easy release after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Mix until the texture turns light and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes and helps trap air for a lighter cake.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each one until incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract, blending well to infuse flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder together until evenly combined.
This step ensures the leavening agent is well-distributed.

5. Alternate Milk and Flour Mixture

Begin adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk.
Start and end with the flour. Beat briefly after each addition, just until smooth—don’t overmix!

6. Transfer Batter to the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the center rack of your oven.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The top should be slightly golden and springy to the touch.

8. Cool Before Serving

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve

Dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look.
Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Slice into squares or rectangles—perfect for lunchboxes or tea trays.

Storage Advice

Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week when sealed properly.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic and foil.

Check out our Peach Cream Pie Recipe .

Helpful Notes

Make it richer: Swap milk with buttermilk or sour cream for a tangy twist.
Flavor twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy lift.
Vegan-friendly? Use plant-based milk and butter, plus a flax egg replacement.
Extra fluffy tip: Sift your dry ingredients twice for a lighter texture.
Don’t skip preheating: It sets the stage for even rising and texture.

Discover great ideas like our buttermilk cake recipe .

Simple Cake

This Simple Cake recipe is the epitome of comfort baking—easy, nostalgic, and made with pantry staples. It’s the perfect go-to for birthdays, tea time, or a sweet treat anytime. With its fluffy crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Servings: 9 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Batter

1 cup granulated white sugar Gives the cake its sweet, tender crumb
0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients (Whisk Separately)

1.5 cups all-purpose flour sift for best results
1.75 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredient

0.5 cup whole milk Can substitute with buttermilk for richer flavor

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust lightly with flour.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until evenly combined.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour, mixing just until smooth each time. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Bake in the center of the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and springy.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.

Notes

Swap milk with buttermilk or sour cream for a tangy flavor boost. Add zest or spices for a twist. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer shelf life.

Conclusion

This simple cake recipe is everything you need when you want comfort, convenience, and a delicious outcome without hassle. It’s the kind of cake you’ll come back to again and again for its versatility and foolproof results.

Tried it? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe—your feedback helps others. Share your version on Pinterest or tag us on Instagram.

What flavor twist did you try? Let us know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the easiest cake to make?

A basic vanilla or simple cake like this one is often the easiest. It uses common ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginners can follow.

What is a lazy cake?

A lazy cake usually refers to a no-bake dessert made with crushed biscuits, cocoa powder, and condensed milk—it’s delicious but quite different from a traditional baked cake.

What is the 1234 rule in baking?

The 1-2-3-4 cake rule stands for 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs—a classic pound cake ratio, though our recipe uses a lighter variation.

What are the ingredients of a simple cake?

Typical ingredients include sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and milk—just like in this recipe.