One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter
A simple and fluffy vanilla cake made in one bowl with melted butter and oil for extra moisture, perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt 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 10, 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
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (melted and cooled) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup melted and cooled unsalted butter, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to the dry ingredients. Whisk until combined.
- Step 4: Crack in 3 large eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add 1 cup whole milk, whisking until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Step 7: Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 8: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Bowl Moist Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 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 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 Cake with Melted Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). 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 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.
