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A close-up shot of a two-layer vanilla cake frosted with white buttercream. A slice has been removed, clearly showing the tender, uniform, and moist crumb.

Oil-Based Vanilla Cake

This oil-based vanilla cake is soft, moist, and full of flavor — the perfect base for any celebration! Unlike butter cakes, it stays tender for days and is incredibly easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 365
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Optional Frosting
  • 2 cups whipped vanilla frosting for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Oven
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, frost with whipped vanilla frosting or your favorite icing. Slice and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of lemon zest. This cake stays moist for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.