Imagine a slice of pure happiness that takes just minutes to prepare and fills your kitchen with an irresistible vanilla aroma! This Homemade Vanilla Snack Cake is the ultimate quick dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Whether you're craving a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or need a simple yet delicious dessert for unexpected guests, this recipe is your secret weapon to instant baking success.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or frost with vanilla buttercream before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Oven Accuracy Matters: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven's actual temperature for perfect baking results.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely before adding powdered sugar or frosting to prevent melting.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Customization Hack: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or swap vanilla extract for almond extract to create your unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 318kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
