Name: Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (golden or white); 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 3/4 cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 2 1/2 tbsp milk

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of a classic vanilla cake but without the traditional use of butter, this Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully moist, tender, and packed with rich vanilla flavor, making it a perfect option for those who want a lighter twist or simply don’t have butter on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly straightforward to whip up, proving that fantastic flavor doesn’t always require complicated ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a single layer of smooth, light yellow batter with small bubbles unevenly spread on the surface, sitting inside a round, white bowl with a slightly rough textured rim, placed on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a soft and heavenly vanilla cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the olive oil that keeps the cake moist without heaviness, to the baking powder that ensures a lovely rise and fluffy texture.

All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the structure for your cake and a tender crumb when measured carefully.
Baking powder (2 tsp): The leavening agent that makes the cake light and airy.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake; golden sugar adds a subtle depth, while white sugar gives classic sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): Replaces butter here, lending moistness and a delicate richness without being heavy.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and help the cake rise beautifully.
Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and richness, keeping the cake soft and tender.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): The star flavor that makes this cake unmistakably vanilla-scented.
Powdered sugar (1 3/4 cups): The base for a smooth, simple icing that complements the cake perfectly.
Milk (2 1/2 tbsp): Used to create the perfect consistency for the icing.

How to Make Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 356ºF (180ºC) using the fan-forced setting. This ensures an even baking temperature so your cake rises evenly and develops a beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Tin

Start by greasing an 8-inch round baking tin with butter, then line it with parchment paper. For a smooth finish, line the base and coat the sides lightly with butter, then dust them with flour to prevent sticking. This prep is key for easy cake removal and flawless sides.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour, which helps achieve a consistent texture throughout your cake.

Step 4: Combine Sugar, Oil, and Eggs

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the granulated sugar, olive oil, and eggs together for about a minute. This step helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a thick, smooth base that will trap air and give your cake lift.

Step 5: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract next and beat for another 20 seconds. The milk adds moisture, while the vanilla infuses the batter with that unmistakable warmth and sweetness.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until everything is combined and smooth. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the batter light to ensure a soft, tender crumb.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Tin

Pour your batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth out the top with a spatula. This helps your cake bake evenly and gives a nice, flat surface for icing later.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This timing ensures your cake is cooked through but still tender and moist inside.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step prevents the cake from breaking apart and prepares it perfectly for icing.

Step 10: Make the Icing

Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl, then whisk in the milk until you have a thick but spreadable icing. If the mixture feels too thick, gently fold it with a rubber spatula to keep it smooth and glossy.

Step 11: Ice the Cake

Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake and allow it to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This gives the icing time to firm up slightly, making every bite luscious and not too sticky.

How to Serve Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe

A single slice of light yellow cake with a soft, fluffy texture and a light brown crust sits on a white plate. The cake has one visible layer, topped with a smooth, thick white icing that covers the entire top surface. The background shows the rest of the cake slightly blurred, also covered with the same white icing. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplicity of this vanilla cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. A few mint leaves can add a splash of color and an aromatic boost that elevates each slice into a special treat.

Side Dishes

Serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns it into a delightful dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting. For a lighter option, a side of fruit compote or stewed seasonal fruits works wonders to complement the mild sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking two layers of this vanilla cake with a spread of your favorite jam or lemon curd in between for a pretty layered effect. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats perfect for tea parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Freezing

This Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe freezes really well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in several layers of plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back that soft, fresh-baked feeling without drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Absolutely! Light-tasting oils like vegetable or canola oil work great if you want to avoid the slight fruity note of olive oil. Just keep the amount the same for moisture balance.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but keep in mind texture might vary slightly.

Why does the recipe use olive oil instead of butter?

Olive oil keeps the cake moist and tender without the heavier texture that butter can give. Plus, it’s a great option for those avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter cake.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this cake vegan, try replacing the eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. The texture might be a little different, but it should still taste delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Cake Without Butter Recipe is a lovely reminder that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting slice, this cake’s tender crumb and delicate vanilla flavor will not disappoint. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to vanilla cake that’s both light and irresistibly tasty.