Easy Vanilla Snack Cake

This Easy Vanilla Snack Cake makes a celebration possible any day of the week with just a little bit of effort! This is a no-mixer-required cake that is baked in an 8×8 pan and comes out tender and soft.

If I’m going to bake, I love a no-mixer weeknight-friendly dessert that doesn’t feel like a big project. After adding One Bowl Chocolate Cake and Applesauce Cake to our baking rotation, I knew we needed a similarly easy vanilla version to add to the mix. True to its name, this vanilla snack cake has been serving us well for months. The kids and I can bake it together after school without any fuss. It makes just enough to serve our family of five and a couple of dinner guests. It’s great with just a dusting of powdered sugar, but is extra fun with vanilla frosting and a few sprinkles.

See below for the easy instructions!

Ingredients for Vanilla Snack Cake

• All-Purpose Flour – Just the regular all-purpose white flour that you likely already have in your pantry. To get the most accurate results (and minimize dishes!), I like to do this on a scale by weight.
• Sugar – Use granulated white sugar for this cake. Like the flour, I prefer to do this on a scale by weight, right inside the mixing bowl.
• Baking Powder – Double check that you use baking powder in this cake, NOT baking soda.
• Sour Cream – This is the “secret” ingredient to this cake that is simple, moist, and has a rich vanilla flavor. The sour cream gives the cake moisture and a very subtle tangy flavor. I use full fat sour cream, but light sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt will work.
• Egg, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract, pinch of salt – You’ll also need these other common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Toppings for Vanilla Cake

Vanilla Cake is great topped with any of these:

• Powdered Sugar
• Cinnamon-Sugar
• Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles
• Creamy Chocolate Frosting (for an 8×8 cake) 
• Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting

Other Easy Desserts

• One Bowl Chocolate Cake – This is my go-to weeknight cake because it can be made in one bowl!
• Easy Apple Crumble – Just a few minutes to prep and you can have this super easy not-too-sweet apple crumble for dessert. Top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
• Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars – These peanut butter bars loaded with chocolate peanut butter cups are made in an 8×8 baking pan which is great for a weeknight dinner, packing in lunches, or freezing for later.

Favorite Tools

• Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls – My go-to mixing bowls for baking.
• 8×8 Baking Dish Emile Henry – I love this small, sturdy baker. 

Print Recipe

3.92 from 57 votes

Easy Vanilla Snack Cake

This Easy Vanilla Snack Cake makes a celebration possible any day of the week with just a little bit of effort! This is a no-mixer-required, two-bowl cake that is baked in an 8x8 pan and comes out tender and soft.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Dessert

Keyword: easy dessert recipe, vanilla cake

Servings: 9

Calories: 298kcal

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $4.00

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• 8x8 baking dish

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup (190 g) All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup (200 g) Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• Pinch Salt
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In one large mixing bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a small bowl whisk together egg, milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla.
• Pour wet ingredients over dry and stir until just combined (no dry spots should remain; but do not over mix).
• Pour cake batter into an 8x8 pan.
• Bake until the center is firm and the cake is golden on top, 28 to 32 minutes.
• Let cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg

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