Dairy Free Easy Vanilla Cake

Total time1 hr 10 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time35 min

This snug little snack cake bakes up soft and golden in an 8x8 pan, with a fine, tender crumb that comes together in one bowl and a quick swirl of a mixer. Vanilla extract runs through both the cake and the frosting, giving it that classic, cozy bakery flavor in every bite. The batter is simple to mix — just be careful not to overwork it once the dry ingredients go in, so the crumb stays soft. Once it's cooled, a thick layer of fluffy, sweet frosting gets spread edge to edge and the whole thing is sliced into neat squares, perfect for a lunchbox treat or an after-dinner bite. It's an easy, no-fuss cake to keep on repeat, and a solid pick for a dairy free dessert rotation.

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Ingredients

9 servings

For the cake

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter Made With Olive Oil Miyoko's Creamery Plant Milk European Style Salted Butter, 8 oz Violife 100% Vegan Unsalted Plant Butter Country Crock Dairy Free Plant Butter with Avocado Oil Violife 100% Dairy-Free Salted Plant Butter
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Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk, room temperature
Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the frosting

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Chef's tip
Use a stick or block-style dairy-free butter - not a soft tub spread - and swap one-for-one.
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp whole milk
Chef's tip
Use plain, unsweetened soy milk, measured 1:1. It's one of the most reliable milk swaps and works in sauces, custards, and baked goods. For hot or acidic drinks, a barista-style soy milk resists curdling.
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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