Description
A budget-friendly, one-bowl vanilla bean cake that is perfect for weeknight celebrations. This small batch recipe yields a moist, tender cake with simple vanilla buttercream, ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- Optional: Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to the dry ingredients. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until combined.
- Pour in the vanilla (extract or paste) and milk. Whisk until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- While the cake cools, make the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then add vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cream. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread the buttercream over the cooled cake and add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. If using vanilla bean paste, it may need to be thinned slightly with milk. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: small batch cake, vanilla bean cake, birthday cake, budget-friendly dessert, weeknight baking, one bowl cake, easy vanilla cake