One-Bowl Vanilla Do-Nothing Cake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A simple one-bowl cake combining vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for any occasion with minimal effort. This American-inspired recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda 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 210 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
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cold water

The bakeware we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware Sets in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt; whisk together until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup cold water to the dry ingredients; stir with a spatula until just combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.