Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe is a classic dessert loved by many home bakers. This cake is soft, moist and full of rich vanilla flavor.
It is simple to make and uses easy ingredients. You can bake it for birthdays, tea time or family gatherings. This recipe gives perfect results every time.
If you want a reliable vanilla cake, this one is great. Learning how to make Ina Garten Vanilla Cake is worth it. It tastes homemade and comforting.
My Experience With This Recipe
I baked this cake on a quiet weekend afternoon. The steps were easy and clear. The batter smelled amazing with vanilla.
The cake baked evenly and rose well. After cooling, the texture felt soft and light. My family loved every bite.
It was not too sweet, which I liked. This Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe is now my go-to cake. I enjoy baking it again and again.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 360 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pan (9-inch round)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F. Grease the cake pan. Line it with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a bowl. Whisk gently until combined. - Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps the cake stay soft. - Add Oil and Eggs
Add oil, then eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. - Add Vanilla
Pour in vanilla extract. Mix until the batter smells rich and sweet. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add dry ingredients slowly. Alternate with milk. Mix gently until smooth. - Pour Batter
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake the Cake
Bake for 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick. It should come out clean. - Cool the Cake
Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Move to rack to cool fully.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
- Use room temperature eggs and milk.
- Measure flour correctly. Do not pack it.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use real vanilla extract for best flavor.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking at the wrong temperature.
- Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge.
- Overbaking the cake.
- Skipping parchment paper.
- Opening the oven door too early.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ina Garten Vanilla Cake plain or with frosting. You can add whipped cream and fresh berries. It tastes great with tea or coffee.
You can also dust it with powdered sugar. For special days, add vanilla buttercream on top. This cake fits any occasion easily.
Variations You Can Try
- Add lemon zest for fresh flavor.
- Mix chocolate chips into the batter.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Add sprinkles for a fun look.
- Turn it into cupcakes easily.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cake at room temperature for two days.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for five days.
- Freeze slices for up to two months.
- Thaw at room temperature before eating.
- Warm slices slightly if desired.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Health Benefits
Vanilla cake gives quick energy from carbs and fats. Eggs add protein and vitamins. Milk provides calcium for bones. Homemade cake avoids preservatives found in store cakes.
Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Baking at home also supports better ingredient control.
Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 350°F. Grease the cake pan. Line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a bowl. Whisk gently until combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps the cake stay soft.
Add Oil and Eggs
- Add oil, then eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg.
Add Vanilla
- Pour in vanilla extract. Mix until the batter smells rich and sweet.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add dry ingredients slowly. Alternate with milk. Mix gently until smooth.
Pour Batter
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Move to rack to cool fully.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and milk.
- Measure flour correctly. Do not pack it.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Use real vanilla extract for best flavor.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing.
FAQs about Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can mix everything by hand using a whisk. It takes more effort, but the cake will still turn out soft.
Can I use butter only instead of oil?
Yes, but the cake may be slightly drier. Oil helps keep the cake moist for longer.
How do I know the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Can I frost the cake the next day?
Yes, wrap the cake well and frost it the next day. The texture stays great.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Vanilla Cake Recipe is simple and reliable. It uses easy ingredients and clear steps.
The result is a soft and flavorful cake. It works for many occasions and tastes great every time.
Learning how to make Ina Garten Vanilla Cake gives you confidence in baking. Try it once, and you will love it. This cake brings comfort, joy and sweet memories to the table.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!