Low Sugar Easy Vanilla Cake

Total time1 hr 10 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time35 min

This classic square cake starts with softened butter beaten until pale and fluffy, then eggs and a generous pour of vanilla extract are worked in until the batter turns silky and rich. Room-temperature milk keeps the crumb soft, while flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt come together in just a few gentle strokes so the texture stays tender rather than dense. Baked until the edges pull from the pan and the top turns lightly golden, this loaf-style square slices into neat, moist pieces that hold their shape beautifully. The frosting gets the same treatment — butter whipped smooth, then built up into a light, spreadable swirl finished with a touch more vanilla and a pinch of salt for balance. Spread thick over the cooled cake and cut into nine generous squares, it's an easy weeknight bake that still feels special. This one is a solid choice for anyone following a no added sugar approach.

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Ingredients

9 servings

For the cake

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Land O Lakes Whipped Butter Salted - 8 Oz Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter Sticks Kerrygold Butter Pure Irish Unsalted - 8 Oz Kerrygold Pure Irish Unsalted Butter Vital Farms Pasture Raised Sea Salted Alfresco Butter - 8 Oz
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¾ cup granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the frosting

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottom with a square of parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

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