One-Bowl Vanilla Cake with Melted Butter
A moist and fluffy vanilla cake made quickly in one bowl with melted butter for a rich, tender crumb. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 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 340 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 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
- Step 3: Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Step 4: Let the cake cool in the pan 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 Vanilla 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 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 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 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 One-Bowl 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.
