Our food editor Blanche Vaughan shares the easiest vanilla cake recipe for beginners – a fail-safe baking option. A simple vanilla cake recipe is the perfect introductory cake for beginners, as well as a versatile standby for more experienced bakers to have on hand. This is a cake recipe that works splendidly for birthdays, special occasions, or just that celebrated English ceremony, afternoon tea. We also believe that you never need a reason to make or eat a simple vanilla cake, so have it whenever the urge to bake takes you. Ingredients in Blanche's easy vanilla cake recipeYou'll only need six ingredients to make this basic and delicious vanilla cake.