There’s something about a simple vanilla cake that feels like a gentle pause in a busy day. This particular recipe, inspired by the calm of a kitchen by the sea, brings a softness and lightness that almost whispers comfort. I remember the afternoon I tried it for the first time — the sunlight was slipping through the window just so, dusting the countertop with a warm glow, and the faint scent of salt air mingled with vanilla from the oven. It wasn’t perfect; I got distracted halfway through, almost forgot to set the timer, but somehow that made the experience feel more real, more like a kitchen lived in rather than a studio shoot. When I finally sliced into the cake, the crumb was tender, moist, and the vanilla flavor was just delicate enough to make me close my eyes and enjoy the moment fully.
Why You’ll Love It
- Light and fluffy texture that feels like a breath of fresh sea air.
- Delicate vanilla flavor that’s subtle, not overpowering, letting you savor each bite.
- Simple to make — no fancy tricks, just classic baking comfort. It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Works perfectly for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon to a small celebration.
It’s easy to feel intimidated by cakes that seem too fancy, but this one doesn’t try to be anything more than a reliable, lovely vanilla cake you can count on. It’s forgiving, too; even with a little distraction or uneven mixing, it turns out pretty great.
PrintVanilla Cake Kitchen by the Sea
A light and fluffy vanilla cake inspired by the serene ambiance of a kitchen by the sea. This classic vanilla cake is perfect for any occasion, featuring a moist crumb and delicate vanilla flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter and continue beating on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully.
Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Kitchen Notes
This cake doesn’t ask for any special equipment beyond your usual baking basics, so it’s a great one to keep in your repertoire. I usually serve it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a thin spread of whipped cream rather than heavy frosting, to keep that light, breezy vibe going. If you want to change it up, you might try folding in a few fresh berries or a touch of lemon zest — I haven’t tested these too much, but it seems like they’d complement the vanilla nicely. Another time, I swapped whole milk for a bit of cream, which made the crumb even richer, but honestly, the original recipe’s balance is hard to beat.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it stores well wrapped tightly at room temperature for a couple of days, and you can freeze the layers for longer storage.
Is the cake suitable for frosting? Absolutely. Its moist crumb holds up nicely under many frosting types, but it’s delicious on its own, too.
What if I don’t have cake pans? You can use a loaf pan or even cupcakes, just adjust baking time accordingly.
Ready to bring a little seaside calm into your kitchen? This vanilla cake invites you to slow down and enjoy something simple yet satisfying. Give it a try and see how a quiet afternoon treat can become a favorite.