Hand-Mixed One-Bowl Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-04 · Updated 2026-06-04

A moist and fluffy vanilla cake made effortlessly in one bowl using melted butter and a touch of cornstarch for tenderness. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, cornstarch, 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

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
2. Step 2: Add 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar to the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, mix until combined.
3. Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 tsp pure vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add 1/2 cup whole milk and stir just until the batter is smooth and thick, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and smooth the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting or serving.