This easy one layer vanilla cake recipe is super moist, tender, and comes together in just one mixing bowl. It's a perfect cake for two people to share or as a quick evening or weekend treat. I topped it with a creamy vanilla buttercream and added some fun sprinkles on top!
Everyone needs a simple vanilla cake recipe they can turn to whenever that craving hits. I took inspiration from my simple vanilla cupcakes to create this delicious cake that's baked in just one cake pan.
As a home baker with 6+ years of experience baking cakes, I can guarantee this vanilla cake is for you. It's tender, soft, fluffy, and bursting with the right amount of vanilla flavor.
I topped it with my fool-proof vanilla frosting, but you could also make this 5 minute chocolate frosting for it or even this fresh strawberry buttercream!
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Sometimes you just don't need to make a whole layered cake. I love having the option of quickly throwing together all of the ingredients in one bowl and than baking in one cake pan.
Single layer cakes come in handy for smaller gatherings, a cozy date night treat, or even a fun during the week baking activity to do with your kids.
I also have this one layer chocolate cake if you prefer chocolate over vanilla or this single layer lemon cake!
Ingredients Needed
Here are some notes on the ingredients we'll be using. For the full ingredients list, look at the recipe card below.
- Oil: You can use either vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Yogurt: Use either plain or vanilla yogurt. You could also use sour cream. This helps to create moist crumbs within the cake.
- Milk: Feel free to use your milk of choice. I used 2%.
- Vanilla Extract: Be sure to use pure vanilla extract. No imitation. You can also use vanilla bean paste.
- Flour: I used all-purpose flour.
Instructions
Here are the step by step instructions on how to make the best vanilla cake using just one mixing bowl.
Step 1: Wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 2: Dry ingredients. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk just until everything is combined.
Step 3: Bake. Scrape the cake batter into a prepared round cake pan and bake for 15-19 minutes.
Step 4: Cool. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing it and placing it on a cooling rack.
Small Batch Vanilla Frosting
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment (or you can use a hand mixer), cream the unsalted butter on high speed until light and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined.
Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
This is the perfect amount of frosting for any single layer cakes.
Recipe Variations
You could easily make this cake work for any special occasion.
- Toppings: You could add holiday themed sprinkles to the top, fresh fruit, or even chocolate chips. I added confetti sprinkles!
- Frosting: A vanilla cake is the perfect blank canvas for so many other flavor pairings. I like to use this easy chocolate frosting or for something fruity, this homemade raspberry frosting.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover cake slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days before needing to refrigerate.
Expert Baking Tips
- Cake Pan: Use either an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray.
- Measuring Flour: To help ensure you don’t add extra flour, follow these three simple steps: 1) Fluff up the flour using a fork. 2) Spoon the flour into your measuring cup. 3) Scrape a knife across the top of the measuring cup to level out the flour.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Any ingredient that needs to be at room temperature should be taken out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before you want to bake. Do not skip this step! It's super important so that the ingredients can incorporate properly.
Recipe FAQs
You can get 8 small cake slices from this recipe. It's ideal for 2-4 people.
Yes you can. Simply bake the cake layer the day before, wrap it in plastic wrap, and leave it on the counter at room temperature overnight. Frost and decorate the next day.
Yes! I recommend wrapping the unfrosted cake layer in plastic wrap 2 times and placing it into a freezer bag. You can also freeze individual slices of this cake that's already been frosted by also wrapping in plastic wrap and placing into a freezer bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months.
If you made this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below. I love hearing from you! Also, please tag me on Instagram and check out my Pinterest for even more recipe ideas.
It brings me so much joy to see you make my recipes. 🙂
Happy Baking!
More Cake Recipes
📖 Recipe
Easy and Moist One Layer Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- 8 or 9-Inch Cake Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Stand Mixer
Ingredients:
Vanilla Cake
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup yogurt (plain or vanilla), room temperature
- ¼ cup milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Small Batch Vanilla Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line one 8-inch cake pan (you can also use a 9-inch) with parchment paper then nonstick spray. Set aside.
Vanilla Cake
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk just until everything is combined.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 15-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Small Batch Vanilla Frosting
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream the butter on high speed until light and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined (30 seconds).
- Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Decorate
- Once the cake has completely cooled, use an offset spatula to spread on the frosting. Top with sprinkles like I did for extra decorations (optional).
- Keep any leftover cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Video
Notes:
- Cake Pan: Use either an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and non-stick cooking spray.
- Measuring Flour: To help ensure you don’t add extra flour, follow these three simple steps: 1) Fluff up the flour using a fork. 2) Spoon the flour into your measuring cup. 3) Scrape a knife across the top of the measuring cup to level out the flour.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Any ingredient that needs to be at room temperature should be taken out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before you want to bake. Do not skip this step! It's super important so that the ingredients can incorporate properly.
Hi , love the simplicity in your recipe, may i use melted butter to substitute for the oil please?
Yes, absolutely!
Good morning. Thanks for the recipe. can I make the frosting and assemble in advance? I am making the cake for a party tomorrow, but won't have much time for assembly in the morning. Can I assemble this a day before? will it hold up? Also, I doubled the batch and want to make it a layered cake. Will the frosting respond ok to layers? thanks so much!
Hi Maria! Yes, you can certainly make every part of this cake in advanced. Just remember, this is a smaller cake, so your cake layers won't be as thick. I would also double the frosting so you have plenty to use. Here is my vanilla buttercream frosting recipe if you want to follow. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Thanks so much Karissa! The cake turned out delicious! I loved how moist it was. Will definitely make this cake again.
Lovely cake but...24 slices????
Hi Sally! This cake makes 8 small slices, which is perfect to share with 1-2 people. Glad you liked it!
Could you substitute sour cream for the yogurt?
Absolutely!
Good recipe. Very very small batch. I baked it in an 8” round but it would likely be better suited for a 6”. I could double it and it would still fit in my 8”!
Hi Carol, it's meant to be a small batch. I didn't want a thick cake layer. That's why it's ideal for 2 people or for someone who just wants a small slice of cake. 🙂 Glad you liked it!
Delicious!! The single layer cakes are my favorite
I absolutely love all your single layer cakes ! They are delicious and are perfect for a household of 2 !!
Thank you, Ingrid!! Every one should be able to enjoy a slice of cake without having to make a whole cake. 🙂
Can I use different extracts
ex orange 🍊
Hi Haley! I've never used orange extract before, but I bet you could! Just start with a 1/2 teaspoon because I know it can be strong. But yes, you can certainly try different extracts, even almond extract!
In terms of cake pops, I have never made those before so I am not sure what that process is, but maybe!
lovely recipe, tried this and shared with my neighbors too!
So glad you loved it and shared it with your neighbors! 🙂
Can I just use the parchment paper only? I don’t have cooking spray of any kind on me :(. Could I use butter to grease it or na?
You can use butter, but make sure you use it really well around the entire surface of the cake pan. So place the parchment paper down, then grease the parchment paper and the walls of the cake pan with butter. Hope that helps!
Delicious and so easy!
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed this cake too, Maria!
Absolutely delicious! Quick, easy and the perfect size !!
Absolutely delicious!! So quick and easy and the perfect size for a retired couple like my husband and myself. I need more of recipes like this !!
You rock
Hi Ingrid!! Aww, this comment immediately put a smile on my face. 🙂 That's why I love these single layer cake recipes!! I also have this carrot cake and one layer chocolate cake you can check out!
My whole family loves this simple vanilla cake. It's easy to put together in one bowl and comes out so soft and moist.