Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter
A tender and fluffy vanilla cake made with melted butter and vegetable oil, easily mixed by hand in one bowl for a quick dessert base. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup melted and cooled unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until the batter is smooth and no large lumps remain; avoid overmixing.
- Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 4: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hand-Mixed Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
