This moist vanilla nutmeg cake is a classic homemade dessert with a rich buttery flavor, soft crumb, and delicate aroma of warm nutmeg and vanilla. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk, this cake delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness and tender texture. It’s ideal for everyday baking, family gatherings, celebrations, or serving alongside coffee or tea.
This easy vanilla cake recipe is beginner-friendly and produces consistent, bakery-quality results every time. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with frosting, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Beginner bakers looking for a reliable and simple cake recipe
- Home cooks who want a classic, foolproof vanilla cake
- Anyone who enjoys soft, buttery cakes with warm spice flavor
- Families needing a delicious dessert for gatherings or special occasions
- Bakers searching for a versatile base cake for frosting or decoration
Why It’s Great
There are many reasons to love this homemade vanilla nutmeg cake:
- Soft and fluffy texture: Light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
- Rich buttery flavor: Perfect balance of sweetness and richness
- Easy ingredients: Uses common kitchen staples
- Simple preparation: No complicated techniques required
- Versatile: Can be served plain, glazed, or frosted
- Perfect for any occasion: Birthdays, tea time, holidays, or everyday dessert
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted (320 g)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (250 g)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 10 tablespoons butter, softened (350 g)
- 1 cup milk (250 ml) – whole, skim, or evaporated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or oil and set aside. - Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and fluffy. - Add the eggs and vanilla
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually add them to the butter mixture while mixing continuously. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. - Incorporate the dry ingredients
Add half of the sifted flour, baking powder, and nutmeg. Mix gently until combined. Add the remaining flour and continue mixing until smooth. - Add the milk
Slowly pour in the milk and mix until the batter becomes smooth and evenly blended. - Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
- Cake pan (8-inch round or similar size)
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Storage
Room Temperature:
Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezer:
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but butter provides better flavor and texture.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect texture and sweetness.
3. Can I add frosting?
Absolutely. This cake pairs well with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate frosting.
4. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can result in a dense cake. Use room temperature ingredients and mix gently.
5. Can I make this cake without nutmeg?
Yes. You can omit nutmeg or replace it with cinnamon for a different flavor.
Conclusion
This moist vanilla nutmeg cake is a timeless homemade dessert that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Its soft texture, rich buttery taste, and gentle spice make it perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and highly versatile, this cake is ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether served plain or decorated, this delicious homemade cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
