This Simple White Cake is moist, not overly sweet, and has a great texture. It is a great cake for any occasion. And easy to make, so you can have it anytime.
Originally published on September 16, 2021, this recipe has been updated in August 2025.
This is one cake we don’t save for special occasions. It is so simple to make that we bake one at least every month for dessert. And it is easy to change it a little with icings and fillings to keep it interesting.
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Ingredients for Simple White Cake
To make this simple white cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Milk.
- Vinegar.
- Eggs.
- Vegetable oil.
- Vanilla extract.
- Almond extract.
- All-purpose flour.
- White sugar.
- Baking powder.
- Baking soda.
- Salt.
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History Behind This Cake
Having twins who could never agree on any flavour meant that we had both vanilla and chocolate cake for birthday parties. Marble was never an option because when they were little, they couldn’t have food touching each other. That meant that the chocolate couldn’t touch the vanilla.
We needed simple recipes that were quick to make. Two cakes had to be made fresh on the morning of their birthday party. That’s when this vanilla cake recipe was developed. It is easy to make and can be put together in minutes
Years later, we swapped out the buttercream icing for a brown sugar glaze. See below for more ideas on serving.
Making This Simple White Cake
What makes it simple is that all you do is mix the dry ingredients and then the wet together. Then you pour the wet into the dry and mix it up. That’s it.
The cake is ready for the oven in minutes making it a great cake for beginners.
For another easy dessert to make, try our Pineapple Cake.
Pan Size
This recipe is versatile when it comes to pan size. We have baked it in a 13″ x 9″ pan and also in an 8″ x 8″ pan, which makes a taller cake. Round pans can also be used to make a layer cake.
When using different pans, the baking times need to be adjusted. More time for a square pan, less time for round pans.
Because every oven is different, times may vary, so it is best to keep an eye on the cake while it is baking.
When it starts to turn golden on top, check the center of the cake. If it springs back when lightly touched in the center, then check with a toothpick to see if it is baked through.
Serving Simple White Cake
You can serve this cake with any buttercream icing or frosting of your choice.
We also like to serve this cake with brown sugar glaze or brown sugar frosting.
If making a layer cake, fresh blueberry or raspberry preserves can be used between layers. Then frost with vanilla buttercream.
Have you made this cake recipe? We would love to hear how you served it. Leave a comment below to let us know.
Simple White Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13"x 9" pan or line with parchment paper.
- Pour the milk into a small bowl and add the vinegar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla and almond extract.
- Add the milk to egg mixture, stirring to combine.
- Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to fully combine.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick or fork inserted in centre comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes
- Remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
I love this simple cake, it’s not from a box and you can customize or add whatever you have on hand to make it more interesting.
Can’t wait to try this recipe!