Simple Vanilla Cake Recipe 1 Cup Flour: The Perfect Small-Batch Treat

Why You’ll Love This Simple Vanilla Cake

Craving homemade cake but don’t want leftovers sitting around for days? This simple vanilla cake recipe using just 1 cup of flour is your answer! Perfect for small families, date nights, or when you just want a sweet treat without the commitment of a massive cake. This recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something absolutely delicious. In under an hour, you’ll have a tender, moist vanilla cake that’s perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all.

Table of Contents

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With basic pantry staples and foolproof instructions, even complete baking beginners can achieve bakery-worthy results. Plus, the smaller size means faster baking time and easier cleanup!

Quick Info

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
15 mins	25 mins	40 mins	6-8	Easy

What You’ll Need

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegetable oil)
1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Optional Simple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitution Notes:

Butter → Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil for dairy-free
Whole milk → Almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free
All-purpose flour → 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square pan with butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess.
Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer (or vigorous hand whisking), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Pro Tip: Room temperature butter makes all the difference! If you forgot to take it out early, cut it into small pieces and it’ll soften faster.
Add egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Alternate wet and dry ingredients. Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Pour in the milk and mix until incorporated. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined—don’t overmix! Important: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until you can’t see streaks of flour.
Pour and bake. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely before removing from the pan. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing or serving.

How to Serve

This versatile cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it extra special:

Simple Presentations:

Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look
Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream
Drizzle with the optional vanilla glaze

Elevated Options:

Layer with jam and buttercream for a mini layer cake
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Top with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit

Perfect Pairings:

Hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Cold milk for the kids
Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Expert Tips for Success

Storage Tips:

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
If glazed, store in an airtight container to prevent the glaze from hardening

Flavor Variations:

Lemon twist: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract
Chocolate chip: Fold in 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips before baking
Almond version: Replace vanilla with almond extract (use only 1/4 teaspoon—it’s strong!)

Texture Tips:

For extra moist cake, replace 2 tablespoons of milk with sour cream
For lighter texture, separate the egg and whip the white to soft peaks, folding it in last
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing

Troubleshooting:

If your cake sinks in the middle, your oven might run hot—try reducing temperature by 25°F
Dry cake usually means overbaking—check 5 minutes before the minimum time
Tough cake indicates overmixing—mix just until ingredients are combined

Common Questions

Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

Yes! You can make this entirely by hand. Just make sure your butter is very soft, and whisk vigorously when creaming the butter and sugar. It’ll take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched, and the edges will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase baking time to 30-35 minutes. This makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is perfect for this cake’s tender crumb. If you want to substitute cake flour, use 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour in place of the 1 cup all-purpose flour.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake for 15-18 minutes at 350°F. This makes perfectly portioned individual treats.

How can I make this cake more festive?

Add a tablespoon of colorful sprinkles to the batter for a funfetti version, or tint the batter with a few drops of food coloring. You can also add themed decorations on top after glazing.

Final Thoughts

This simple vanilla cake recipe with 1 cup flour proves that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a baking novice looking for your first success or an experienced baker wanting a quick treat, this recipe delivers every time. The tender crumb, perfect sweetness, and endless customization options make it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this cake is absolutely delicious and will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade happiness. Happy baking!