Name: The Best Vanilla Cake Is Also the Easiest
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Softened unsalted butter for greasing pan, plus 1 stick (4 ounces), melted and cooled to room temperature; 2 3/4 cups (330g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups (297g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (28g) cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature , lightly beaten; 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature; 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado); 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract; Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, optional; Sprinkles, for decorating, optional

The Best Vanilla Cake Is Also the Easiest

This easy vanilla cake recipe doesn’t need a mixer—all you need are two bowls, a whisk, and a few minutes to make it while the oven preheats.

50 min total 20 min prep 30 min cook 12 410 cal

Instructions

Tap a step to mark it done

1 Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with softened butter and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
2 In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, melted butter, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mixture. Whisk until just incorporated into the flour mixture. The batter should be mostly smooth; some small lumps are okay.
3 Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread it into an even layer, and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any large air bubbles. Bake until the cake springs back gently to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 27 to 30 minutes.
4 Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
5 Invert the cake out of the pan, if desired, and transfer to a platter. Top evenly with the frosting and decorate with sprinkles, if using. Slice and serve. Store leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let come to room temperature before serving. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!