Vanilla Cake

Vanilla cake is a classic, light, and fluffy dessert celebrated for its delicate, sweet flavor derived primarily from vanilla extract or beans. Its typical ingredients include flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, milk, and a leavening agent like baking powder. While its origins are tied to the broader history of European baking, it has become a universally beloved staple in Western cuisine and beyond.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a traditional dessert, vanilla cake is high in carbohydrates from sugar and flour, and also contains significant fat from butter or oil. It provides quick energy and some small amounts of minerals like iron from the flour, but is not a significant source of protein or fiber. A standard slice from a homemade cake typically contains around 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	4 g
Carbs	50 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	30 g
Sodium	250 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Potassium	60 mg
Vitamin A	100 IU
Vitamin D	0.2 mcg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.05 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.06 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg

Per 1 slice (80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Vanilla itself is the world's second-most expensive spice after saffron, derived from the orchid genus Vanilla, which makes its widespread use in a simple cake culturally significant. Nutritionally, its high glycemic index means it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, which is why it's often enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily food.