Name: Moist and Soft Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sour cream

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If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers both melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, classic flavor, this Moist and Soft Cake is exactly what you need. Every bite strikes the perfect balance of buttery goodness and tender crumb, so it’s no wonder this cake shines at birthdays, family get-togethers, or whenever a cozy, homemade treat is called for. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with your favorite frosting, the results are always delightfully delicious and impossible to resist.

Moist and Soft Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those magical recipes where a handful of pantry staples work together to create something unforgettable. Each ingredient brings its own unique character, resulting in a Moist and Soft Cake that never fails to impress.

All-Purpose Flour: The reliable base that gives your cake the perfect structure and lightness.
Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and keeps every slice airy.
Salt: A tiny touch that wakes up all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (softened): Infuses every crumb with rich, creamy flavor and that coveted soft texture.
Granulated Sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness, helping the cake form a delicate, golden crust.
Large Eggs: The secret to a smooth, luscious crumb that holds together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that signature warm aroma and deep, classic cake flavor; use pure extract for best results.
Whole Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and prevents the cake from drying out, making every bite tender.
Sour Cream: The ultimate secret weapon for a moist and soft cake, lending richness and a lovely tang that complements the sweet notes.

How to Make Moist and Soft Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s ready to go when you are. Take a moment to grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans—this ensures your cakes pop out easily later. For extra peace of mind, adding a parchment round on the bottom of each pan never hurts!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step sets you up for that signature moist and soft cake texture, because it distributes leavening evenly throughout the batter, preventing any dense pockets.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t rush this part! Creaming until it’s pale and fluffy introduces air, giving the cake its delicate lift and plush crumb.

Step 4: Blend in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. This careful step emulsifies the batter for consistency. Once the eggs are in, stir in that lovely vanilla extract, giving the batter those cozy, inviting notes we all adore in a homemade cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the whole milk and sour cream together. Now, with your mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the creamed butter base, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This process guarantees your moist and soft cake won’t be tough—just combine until you don’t see any streaks of flour, then stop.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Evenly divide your luscious batter between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops, slide them into your preheated oven, and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you know your cakes are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Let the cakes relax in their pans for about 10 minutes, which lets them set just enough to come out cleanly. Then gently turn them out onto wire racks and cool completely before you unleash your favorite frosting—patience is rewarded here for the fluffiest, most moist and soft cake experience!

How to Serve Moist and Soft Cake

Garnishes

Sometimes a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze does wonders, but this moist and soft cake also loves a cloud of whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries. For a little extra celebration, try rainbow sprinkles or edible flowers—they make every slice festive and irresistible.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic dessert duo. Fresh fruit salad or a tangy fruit compote can add a refreshing contrast to each rich, tender bite. For coffee lovers, a cup of robust espresso alongside your slice creates a truly comforting finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to play, transform this recipe into adorable cupcakes or a layered trifle by layering cubes of moist and soft cake with whipped cream and fruit. For parties, stack the layers tall and cover them with swirls of buttercream—your guests will think you ordered from a high-end bakery!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Moist and soft cake keeps wonderfully at room temperature for a couple of days, especially if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This helps preserve the irresistible texture and keeps each slice tasting freshly baked.

Freezing

To plan ahead or save any leftovers for a rainy day, wrap completely cooled cake layers in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. The moist and soft cake will maintain its divine texture for up to a month in the freezer—just thaw overnight on the counter when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

If you want to restore a slice’s warm, just-baked feel, pop it in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. The heat revives that signature moist and soft cake crumb, making it feel like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this moist and soft cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swapping the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend should yield wonderful results. Just be sure to check the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for structure.

What’s the secret to keeping the cake extra soft?

It’s all about not overmixing the batter and using both sour cream and whole milk. These ingredients team up to ensure your cake is lavishly moist and soft every single time.

How can I adjust this recipe for cupcakes?

This recipe transforms beautifully into cupcakes—just divide the batter evenly among lined muffin cups and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?

Definitely! Substitute a bit of the vanilla extract with lemon or almond extract, and you’ll add a delightful twist to your moist and soft cake without any extra effort.

Is it okay to frost the cake while it’s still warm?

As tempting as it is, patience pays off! Wait until your layers are fully cooled; this prevents the frosting from melting and slipping, so your finished cake looks and tastes perfect.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of cake that brings smiles and eager forks every time you serve it. Whether it marks a big event or simply makes an ordinary day feel special, I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this moist and soft cake as much as I do. Give it a try and discover just how delightful homemade cake can be!

Moist and Soft Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the divine taste of this moist and soft vanilla cake that is perfect for any occasion. With a tender crumb and delicious flavor, this homemade cake is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs and flavoring: Incorporate eggs one by one, then mix in vanilla.
Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to butter mixture.
Bake: Divide batter, bake for 28-32 minutes, and cool before frosting.