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Easy Vanilla Cake with Oil, No Butter


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Easy Vanilla Cake with Oil, No Butter is a light, moist, and tender treat perfect for any celebration or everyday craving. Made with pantry staples and mixed in just minutes, this cake delivers a clean, rich vanilla flavor and a soft crumb without needing any butter. It’s versatile enough for layers, cupcakes, or sheet cakes, and pairs beautifully with your favorite frosting or toppings.


Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Optional Vanilla Buttercream:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings (optional):

  • Sprinkles or colored sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan(s) with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, sift and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and pale.
  4. Add oil gradually while whisking, then stir in milk and vanilla extract.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, stirring just until combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and gently tap to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes (9×13 pan) or 25–30 minutes (8-inch pans), until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cake in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, add sugar gradually, then vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy.
  10. Frost the cooled cake and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes