Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipe

This is my favourite single layer vanilla cake recipe. It’s moist, tender and has a light, fluffy crumb. It’s a classic cake, with a perfect balance of each ingredient–eggs, oil, sugar and flour which is why it’s so easy to make.

The recipe calls for almond extract, but you can use vanilla extract. To make this cake gluten-free or vegan, replace the all-purpose flour with your choice of gluten-free or vegan flour.

Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipe
Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipe

Avoid replicating exact measurements for gluten-free flours because ingredients vary widely. Each layer of this cake has a different flavour, but all blend in beautifully.

The biscuit base gives it a great texture, while the vanilla buttercream icing makes everything come together nicely.

How To Prepare Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serving Size: 10 slices

Ingredients:

For The Cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract

For The Frosting:

  • 1 stick butter, room temperature, 16 oz cream cheese,
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk, room temperature, 7 drops green food colouring

How To Make:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper. 

Step 2: To make the cake, sift together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. 

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy in another bowl. 

Step 4: Beat in eggs one at a time until well incorporated. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts. 

Step 5: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and stirring until just mixed. Beat for a few more seconds. 

Step 6: Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth over the surface. 

Step 7: Bake for about 25 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden brown and springs back when touched in the centre.

To Make The Frosting:

Step 1: beat the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract in a mixer until smooth. I use my KitchenAid stand mixer with the paddle attachment. 

Step 2: Add green food colouring and beat until it is light green (about 1 minute). 

Step 3: Add milk and beat for 3-5 minutes or until it’s spreadable but still soft.

Step 4: Let it cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 506
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg 
  • Carbs: 54g  (9%)
  • Protein: 7g  (14%)
  • Sugar: 47g (52%)
  • Fibre: 2g (7%)
  • Sodium: 442mg (19%)

How Do You Fill A Single Layer Cake?

First, use a small serrated knife to slice off the top dome to fill a single layer cake. Now you have a flat surface to work with (otherwise, you’d have to frost your cake upside down).

Cut the cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place 1 layer face on your cake stand and frost it with about 1/2 inch of icing. Spread the filling on top of this layer, and then add another  1/2 inch thick layer of icing.

How Do You Keep Single Layer Vanilla Cake Moist?

My favourite tip is putting a piece of bread or a paper towel in the cake pan while making and cooling the cake. This keeps it from drying out from the steam.

How Do You Assemble A Simple Layer Cake?

To assemble a simple layer cake, place the bottom layer on your cake stand. Add frosting to the middle of the cake, then place the next layer on top and put more frosting on top. In the end, you should have 3 layers plus frosting on top.

How Can I Make My Vanilla Cake Taste Better?

To make your vanilla cake taste better, decorate it with fresh flowers, fruit and candy. For example, I used fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings on this cake.

What Is The Best Way To Store A Single Layer Vanilla Cake Recipe?

The best way to store a single layer vanilla cake recipe is in the freezer. Cover your cake with plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

It will last for at least a month. Or you can freeze it in an airtight container and defrost it as needed.

Conclusion

The single layer vanilla cake is an easy-to-make and yummy vanilla cake recipe which looks great when decorated with fresh flowers.

Variations of this cake include using different colours of frosting or using simple syrups for decoration instead of buttercream frosting.

The single layer vanilla recipe is suitable for beginners and great for holiday celebrations because you can use it to make different cakes with different colours or flavours.

Enjoy!! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, and I will gladly answer them.

FAQ

Can I Double The Recipe To Make A Double Layered Cake?

Yes, it’s easy to double the recipe. Just keep the layers even and frost one at a time. My favourite trick to create an even layer is to use cake strips.

Can I Use A Different Frosting?

You can use any frosting you want to top this vanilla cake with. I used cream cheese frosting and mocha buttercream, which were very tasty.