Baking a cake is often associated with grand celebrations and special occasions, but sometimes, all you need is a small, delightful treat to satisfy your 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe sweet tooth.
Enter the 4 inch vanilla cake recipe—a perfect, petite dessert that brings all the joy and flavour of a larger cake in a more manageable size.
This 4 inch vanilla cake recipe is not only charming in its dimensions but also rich in flavour and texture.
With its moist, tender crumb and the classic taste of vanilla, it’s a versatile dessert that can be dressed up or kept simple, depending on your mood or the occasion.
Topped with a creamy, luscious buttercream frosting, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe that promises to impress.
From the creamy vanilla aroma wafting through your kitchen to the first delectable bite, this 4-inch vanilla cake promises to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Let’s dive into this easy 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe, yet exquisite, recipe and create something truly special.
How To Prepare 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Yield: 1 4-inch cake
Equipment Needed
- 4-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack

Ingredients For 4 inch Vanilla Cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Sprinkles, fresh fruit, or any other preferred topping
Instructions
1. For the Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine salt, and mix well.
4. Add the flour mixture and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. For the Buttercream Frosting:
1. Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.
3. Finish frosting: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Assembling the Cake:
1. Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally if you’d like to add an additional layer of frosting inside.
2. Frost the cake: Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting on top of the cake, and then gently smooth it out using a spatula. If you sliced the cake, spread frosting in between the layers as well.
3. Decorate: Finish decorating the cake with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or your preferred toppings.
4. Serve: Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade 4-inch vanilla cake!
Tips for Success
1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps them combine more easily and results in a smoother batter.
2. Measuring Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure your flour. Too much flour can make the cake dense and dry.
3. Do Not Over mix: Over mixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
4. Even Baking: If your cake pan is dark or non-stick, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (4°C) to prevent over browning.
5. Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
How Should I Store The Cake To Keep It Fresh?
Store the frosted 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.
If you need to store the frosted cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake the 4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe layers ahead of time and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature for a day or freeze them for longer storage.
Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavour.
How Can I Ensure My Cake Is Moist And Not Dry?
To ensure a moist cake, be careful not to over bake it. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Additionally, measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, as too much flour can make the cake dry. Using room temperature ingredients can also help achieve a better texture.
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Conclusion
Baking a 4-inch vanilla cake recipe is a delightful and rewarding experience that brings joy to both the baker and those who get to enjoy the final product.
This perfectly sized cake is ideal for small gatherings, intimate celebrations, or simply treating yourself to a homemade dessert.
With its moist, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavour, complemented by a creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
So, savour every bite of your homemade 4-inch vanilla cake recipe, and take pride in the delicious creation you’ve made.
Share it with loved ones or enjoy it as a personal treat—either way, you’ve mastered a delightful dessert that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Happy baking!

4 Inch Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 4-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup 60g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup 60ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups 190g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Sprinkles fresh fruit, or any other preferred topping
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 4-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine salt, and mix well.
- Add the flour mixture and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.
- Finish frosting: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally if you’d like to add an additional layer of frosting inside.
- Frost the cake: Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting on top of the cake, and then gently smooth it out using a spatula. If you sliced the cake, spread frosting in between the layers as well.
- Decorate: Finish decorating the cake with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or your preferred toppings.
- Serve: Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade 4-inch vanilla cake!