If I had a nickel for every time I needed a go-to cake recipe, I’d probably still be broke, but at least I’d have this vanilla cake to comfort me. This isn’t one of those overly sweet, sticky sponge situations. It’s buttery, soft, and tastes like something grandma made—if grandma had a stand mixer and a Pinterest board. What I love most is how unfussy it is. You don’t need anything wild—no rare flours or seven different extracts. Just the basics: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a little time. And poof—you get a cake that works for birthdays, weeknights, or Tuesday mornings when the coffee feels lonely. It’s the kind of dessert that lets the vanilla shine. Not the shy kind, either. This one steps forward, waves, and says, ‘Yeah, I’m the main flavor here.’ And you know what? It absolutely works. If you’re chasing that tender crumb, buttery bite, and rich vanilla flavor—this is your stop.