One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter Cake with Melted Butter
A simple, moist vanilla cake made in one bowl using melted butter and oil for extra tenderness, perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 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 350 calories and feeds 12, 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
- Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter Cake with Melted Butter take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter 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 One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter 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 One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter Cake with Melted Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Butter 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.
