Vanilla Cake Recipe (made with oil, not butter)

3.92 from 410 votes

Vanilla Cake Recipe (made with oil, not butter)

An Easy Vanilla Cake recipe makes a celebration possible any day of the week! This is a truly simple cake that doesn't require a mixer and is made without butter or buttermilk. You just need oil to give the cake a tender, moist crumb.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Keyword: easy dessert recipe, vanilla cake

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $4.00

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
8x8 baking dish

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
3/4 cup sugar (150 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk, any type
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (see note)

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick cooking spray. (Note: I often also like to line it with parchment paper before spraying it for super easy removal, but this is optional.)
In one medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a smaller mixing bowl whisk together the egg and vanilla until smooth. Add the milk, sour cream, and vegetable oil and mix again until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently stir them together until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter - you'll know it's ready when it still looks slightly lumpy but all of the dry ingredients are mixed in.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Bake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden on top, 30 to 33 minutes.
Let the cake cool before slicing and serving. (Note: If adding frosting, be sure that the cake is completely cool before adding frosting.)

Notes

Vegetable Oil - A neutral oil like vegetable oil will give you the best texture and moisture in this easy cake. It will have plenty of flavor from the vanilla extract. You can also use another neutral oil like grapeseed or avocado oil. Olive oil will work too, but will give the cake a subtle flavor.

Nutrition