There’s something incredibly comforting about a moist and soft cake—the kind that just melts in your mouth with every bite. This cake is the perfect balance of tender crumb and delicate sweetness, and it’s super easy to make! Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a special celebration, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.
What makes this cake extra special is its light and airy texture, with just the right amount of moisture to keep it fresh for days. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with any frosting, fruit, or topping that suits your mood. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll be your go-to cake recipe for all your occasions.
Why You’ll Love Moist and Soft Cake
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need anything fancy to make this cake; just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. But once you mix them together and bake them, you get a cake that’s tender, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is a blank canvas for all sorts of celebrations. Top it with chocolate frosting, buttercream, or fresh fruit for a showstopper, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a lighter treat.
Beginner-Friendly
Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pro, this recipe is simple and straightforward, with no complicated steps. You’ll feel like a baking expert in no time!
Versatile
Use it as a base for different flavor combinations. Add vanilla extract for a classic flavor or a little lemon zest for something citrusy. The possibilities are endless!
Keeps Well
This cake stays moist for several days, making it perfect for making ahead of time for a party or even for an easy weeknight dessert.

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Ingredients
For the Moist and Soft Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any good cake, it gives the cake structure without weighing it down.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake stay tender.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and gives it that soft, light texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: This gives the cake a rich, buttery flavor and moisture.
- Eggs: They provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Milk: Adds moisture to keep the cake soft.
- Vanilla Extract: For that classic, warm flavor that makes the cake smell irresistible.
(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans (8-inch round pans work great).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 7: Let it Cool
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, frost with your favorite frosting, or simply dust with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Moist and Soft Cake
With Buttercream Frosting
Top the cake with a classic buttercream frosting for a sweet and creamy finish. You can even add food coloring to match the occasion.
With Fruit
For a lighter, fresher take, top the cake with fresh berries or citrus slices. A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone would be the perfect addition.
As Cupcakes
This recipe also works well as cupcakes! Simply divide the batter into a cupcake tin and bake for 18-20 minutes. They’re perfect for parties and grab-and-go desserts.
With Ice Cream
For a truly indulgent treat, serve slices of this moist cake alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee ice cream would pair wonderfully with this cake.
Additional Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This will help the ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix
Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing too much can cause the cake to become dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
Keep the Cake Moist
If you’re not frosting the cake immediately, you can brush the layers with a little simple syrup or milk to add extra moisture and keep the cake fresh.
Store Properly
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have frosted it, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Make It Ahead
You can make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cakes at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for 1 slice of Moist and Soft Cake (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus cooling time)
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use cake mix instead of homemade ingredients?
A1: While a cake mix can be a quicker option, this homemade version gives a much richer and softer texture. I’d highly recommend trying it from scratch!
Q2: Can I add flavor to the cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can add lemon zest, cocoa powder, or even almond extract to the batter to customize the flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Q3: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and make sure your baking powder is certified gluten-free. It will change the texture slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Q5: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A5: You can, but butter will give the cake a richer flavor and better texture. If you use margarine, the cake may not be as moist.
Q6: How can I make this cake dairy-free?
A6: Substitute non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The cake will still be soft and moist!
Q7: How do I store leftover cake?
A7: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q8: Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
A8: Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This recipe yields about 12-15 cupcakes.
Q9: Can I add frosting to the cake before it cools?
A9: It’s best to wait until the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
Q10: How can I make this cake even more moist?
A10: You can brush the cake layers with a simple syrup (sugar and water mixture) before frosting to lock in extra moisture.
Enjoy your Moist and Soft Cake—it’s a sweet, fluffy, and utterly delicious treat perfect for any occasion!
Print
Moist and Soft Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Moist and Soft Cake is the ultimate dessert for cake lovers! Light, fluffy, and tender, it’s the perfect base for any frosting or filling. Whether you’re serving it plain or adding your favorite toppings, this cake will be a hit every time!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
-
Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
-
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients:
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk and oil in two parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting (optional):
-
Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Continue to beat for another 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
-
Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
-
Notes
- For extra moistness, you can brush the cake layers with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves) before frosting.
- To make the cake even more flavorful, try adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.
- You can add fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or a layer of jam between the cake layers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg