Why you’ll love this Vanilla Loaf cake
Simplicity at Its Best
Vanilla loaf cake is a classic, straightforward bake. Its minimal ingredients and uncomplicated method make it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. You can whip it up in no time, yet it remains satisfying and delicious.
Versatile Flavour
The subtle vanilla flavour makes this loaf cake a perfect base for various toppings or fillings. Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with icing sugar, or served with fresh cream and berries, it adapts to any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
A vanilla loaf cake is a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, afternoon tea, or even just as a quick treat. Its soft, buttery texture and light vanilla aroma make it universally appealing.
Customisable
You can easily customise a vanilla loaf cake by adding a lemon drizzle, chocolate chips, or a swirl of fruit jam. Its mild flavour complements a wide variety of flavours, allowing endless creativity.
Ideal for Freezing
Vanilla loaf cakes freeze beautifully, meaning you can bake one in advance and enjoy it later. This makes it a great go-to bake for those who like to plan ahead or have guests coming over unexpectedly.
Top Tips
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This allows for easier mixing, resulting in a smoother batter and a better rise during baking.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently fold them together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.
Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is the star flavour, so using a good quality vanilla extract or paste can make a big difference in taste. Avoid artificial vanilla flavourings, which tend to be less flavourful.
Line the Loaf Tin Properly
Grease your loaf tin well and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Allowing the parchment to overhang slightly makes it easier to lift the cake out after baking.
Check for Doneness with a Skewer
To avoid under-baking, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there’s batter on the skewer, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Ingredients you’ll need to make Vanilla Loaf cake
Ingredients:
- 175 g unsalted butter, softened
- 175 g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 175 g self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
How to make Vanilla Loaf cake
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a standard loaf tin with parchment paper. - Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. - Add the eggs and vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix in the flour:
Gently fold in the self-raising flour, being careful not to overmix. Add the milk to loosen the batter. - Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. - Cool and serve:
Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Other recipes you might like:
Vanilla Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 175 g unsalted butter softened
- 175 g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 175 g self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a standard loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour, being careful not to overmix. Add the milk to loosen the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
