Best Vanilla Buttermilk Cake Recipe from Scratch

A timeless cake that’s soft, moist, and made for every celebration

There’s nothing quite like a slice of the best vanilla buttermilk cake recipe from scratch. It’s tender, rich in vanilla flavor, and incredibly easy to bake at home. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, prepping for a holiday gathering, or simply in the mood for a nostalgic dessert, this old fashioned vanilla buttermilk cake recipe is the answer.

What makes it shine? The combination of buttermilk and oil keeps the cake moist for days. With no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed, this recipe is truly designed for everyday bakers. Plus, you can customize it to make a chocolate buttermilk cake or even give it a Mary Berry buttermilk cake twist.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this moist vanilla buttermilk cake recipe:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, buttercream frosting, or fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix — you want a smooth batter, not a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then remove them and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend more evenly and creates a better cake texture.
• Check your leaveners: Baking powder and baking soda lose strength over time. Make sure yours are fresh.
• For deeper vanilla flavor: Opt for real vanilla bean paste if available.
• Want a richer texture? Swap half the oil for melted butter.
• Don’t overbake: A dry vanilla cake is never the goal. Check doneness a couple of minutes early.

Ingredient Substitutions

• No buttermilk? You can make a quick alternative by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Dairy-free version: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk with vinegar in place of buttermilk.
• Make it chocolate: Replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate buttermilk cake.

For those curious, Harvard Health explains that buttermilk is not only low in fat but also adds tang and tenderness to baked goods.

Additional Info

Nutritional Information (Per slice, estimated)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 48g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 26g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use oil instead of butter in this vanilla buttermilk cake recipe?

Yes, this vanilla buttermilk cake recipe with oil is actually designed to be lighter and moister than those made with butter.

2. What makes this an old fashioned buttermilk cake?

The use of buttermilk, pantry staples, and simple preparation techniques give it that old fashioned buttermilk cake charm.

3. Is this the best vanilla buttermilk cake recipe for beginners?

Absolutely. It’s forgiving, requires no mixer, and comes together quickly—ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

4. Can I freeze the cake after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled cake layers for up to two months. Wrap them tightly to maintain freshness.

5. Is buttermilk better than regular milk for cakes?

Yes! According to WebMD, buttermilk helps make baked goods tender, fluffy, and flavorful thanks to its acidity and natural enzymes.

Bake It and Share It!

If you’re craving something soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, this best vanilla buttermilk cake recipe from scratch will deliver. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s one of those bakes that everyone comes back for.

Whether you’re frosting it with vanilla buttercream or enjoying it plain, this cake is perfect for birthdays, brunches, or anytime dessert cravings strike.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Your feedback makes our recipes better!

The cooking doesn’t stop here!
Try delicious recipes like Butterscotch Pound Cake and Butternut Squash Soup — let the flavors keep surprising you.