6-Inch Cake

A small, tender 6-inch cake with a soft crumb, simple ingredients, and easy step-by-step instructions for a perfect homemade dessert.

This 6-inch cake is ideal when you want a smaller dessert without sacrificing flavor or texture. It bakes into a soft, moist cake with a fine crumb, making it perfect for birthdays, intimate celebrations, or a simple homemade treat. The recipe is easy to scale, frost, and customize with your favorite fillings or toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon sour cream or plain yogurt, optional for extra moisture

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease and line one 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture looks sandy and well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and sour cream if using.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until smooth and combined. Do not overmix.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.