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Moist vanilla cake recipe on pink plate.
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Moist Vanilla Cake Recipe (with Oil)

This Moist Vanilla Cake is soft, fluffy, and easy to make. Topped with creamy vanilla buttercream, it's perfect for birthdays and gatherings!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 24 squares
Calories 305kcal

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake

  • 2 3/4 cups (410g / 14.4 oz.) all-purpose flour, scoop & leveled
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (340g / 12 oz.) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, or vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 226 g (2 sticks / 1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups (420g / 14.8 oz.) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream / thickened cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles, optional

Instructions

  • For best results, I recommend using the weight measurements with a kitchen scale. Measuring cups can vary between regions and brands, leading to inconsistencies. A kitchen scale will ensure precision and contribute to the perfect cake every time.

Vanilla Cake

  • Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan Note: Alternatively, if you have a non-stick pan, line just the base with parchment paper and liberally grease the sides with soft butter and dust it with a light layer of flour. This will leave your finished cake with smooth sides.Set aside.
  • Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk in the salt. Set aside.
  • Combine Sugar and Wet Ingredients: In another large mixing using electric hand beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle or whisk attached, add the sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat for 1 minute until well combined. Scrape down the sides.
  • Add Yogurt and Milk: Beat in the yogurt and milk for about 20 seconds until smooth.
  • Incorporate Flour Mixture: Add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beat on low speed until just combined, then add the remaining flour mixture and beat on low until fully incorporated, ensuring not to overmix, about 10-15 seconds. Use a spatula to gently incorporate extra flour from the sides of the bowl back into the batter.
  • Transfer Batter To Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly pressed.
  • Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl using electric hand beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle or whisk attached, beat the softened butter for 2 minutes until pale and creamy.
  • Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well (about 15 seconds) after each addition.
  • Add Cream and Vanilla: Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the cake. Add Sprinkles.
  • Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg