Easy & Tasty Moist Vanilla Loaf Cake Recipe (Perfect for Any Occasion!)
There’s something so comforting about a simple vanilla cake loaf. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy all week long with your morning coffee, for dessert, or as a little after-school treat for the kids.
Vanilla cake is one of those classics that never goes out of style, it’s soft, buttery, and full of that cozy, homemade flavor we all crave.
This moist vanilla loaf cake is a favorite in our house because it’s straightforward to make, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and always comes out tender and delicious.
Whether you keep it plain, dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, or add a drizzle of glaze, it’s a recipe that feels special while still being easy enough for busy families.
Moist Vanilla Cake Loaf
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour (200g)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (110g)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (120ml)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer (or whisk) for about 5 minutes, until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
- Add the oil and eggs. Mix in the vegetable oil until smooth. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
- Flavor it up. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Bring it all together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently—don’t overmix or the cake could turn dense.
- Bake. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Adjust the sugar. You can reduce or increase the sugar slightly depending on your sweetness preference without affecting the texture too much.
Optional Add-Ins
This vanilla loaf cake is a perfect base recipe. You can mix things up depending on your family’s taste:
- Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity version.
- Swirl in a spoonful of jam before baking for a fun surprise.
- Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Storage
- Room temperature: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: Slice and wrap individual pieces, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes! You can bake this in a smaller loaf pan (it may take a bit longer to bake) or even as muffins (reduce the baking time to around 18–20 minutes).
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Make your own with milk and lemon juice or vinegar as mentioned above. Regular milk works too, though buttermilk gives the cake extra moisture.
How do I know when it’s done?
The cake should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Vanilla Cake Loaf
This cake is one of those simple recipes that feels like a big win every time. It’s budget-friendly, uses pantry staples, and makes the whole house smell incredible while it bakes.
Plus, it’s versatile, you can keep it simple for a weekday snack or dress it up for holidays, birthdays, or get-togethers.
There’s just something special about a slice of homemade cake that feels like love baked into every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for an easy, reliable vanilla cake loaf recipe, this is the one to keep in your recipe box. It’s soft, buttery, and perfectly moist, everything you want in a classic vanilla cake.
Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with glaze, or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this loaf is guaranteed to be a family favorite.