New Year’s Cake Recipe
Introduction
This classic New Years Cake is a moist, buttery delight perfect for celebrations or any day you want a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. With a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Step 3: In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to combine thoroughly.
- Step 5: Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Step 8: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
- Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk to add slight tang and tenderness.
- Decorate with fresh fruit or a simple glaze to enhance presentation.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh taste.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to give the right texture, but you can substitute with cake flour for a lighter crumb. Adjust the amount slightly as cake flour is finer.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk, keeping the same quantities for similar results.
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New Year’s Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic New Year’s Cake is a moist, buttery, and tender layered cake perfect for celebrations. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s flavored with vanilla and baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your cake evenly.
- Prepare Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Mix in Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best emulsification and texture.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Once cooled, the cakes can be frosted with your favorite icing or enjoyed plain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: New Year cake, classic cake recipe, vanilla cake, layered cake, butter cake, celebration dessert

