In this day and age of ready-made mixes for all kinds of food, making a cake from scratch might seem like quite a difficult and time-consuming task. However, this perception may not be quite correct. The flavor as well as the joy that one can get from baking cakes prepared by putting together various ingredients cannot be compared with the cakes that are made by using cake mixes. Now when it comes to flavors, chocolate is perhaps the most preferred. However, there is a world of cakes beyond chocolate and one of them is made of vanilla and some variations to suit different preferences. Basic Vanilla Cake With Icing Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces butter
• 1 whole egg
• 2 egg whites
• 1¾ teaspoons baking powder
• 4 ounces milk
• 8 ounces white sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Icing

• 2 tablespoons milk
• 16 ounces powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

Preparation In a medium-sized bowl, take butter and stir by adding sugar to it. Fold vanilla into this mixture along with the eggs (one at a time). When these ingredients are mixed well, add flour alternating it with baking powder. Once this is done, pour milk slowly into the mixture, stirring continuously. Continue stirring till the batter attains a smooth texture. Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and also sprinkle some flour in it. Transfer the cake batter into the baking dish and place in a 350° F preheated oven. Bake the cake for 30 - 40 minutes in the oven. When the cake turns golden brown in color, take it out of the oven and conduct the toothpick test to check whether it is done fully. While the cake is being baked, you can prepare the icing for it. To make the frosting, take milk in a small bowl and combine it with powdered sugar, vanilla and butter. Beat the mixture at medium speed till it becomes smooth and fluffy. When the cake is fully done, apply the frosting over it and decorate it as you desire. Moist Vanilla Cake Ingredients

• 16 ounces flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 ounces shortening
• 1½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt

Preparation Take shortening in a medium-sized mixing bowl and add sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla to it. In another mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients which consist of baking powder, flour and salt. When they are properly mixed, add the dry ingredients to the big bowl and beat to form a smooth cake batter. Grease a 9x12 inch baking pan and transfer the cake batter into it. Bake the cake in a 350° F preheated oven for 40 minutes. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. Vanilla Cake (using Oil) Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 8 ounces milk
• 2¼ teaspoons baking powder

Preparation Beat sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl with the help of an electric beater. When the eggs begin to thicken, put in the oil, flour, vanilla, baking powder and milk. Blend these ingredients together to make a smooth and creamy batter. Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and grease the paper as well as the sides of the pan well. Pour the batter into this pan and keep it in a 350° F preheated oven. Bake the cake for 30 - 40 minutes or till the cake turns golden in color. Once this is done, take the cake out of the pan and take off the paper too. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool and decorate the cake as you please. Eggless Vanilla Cake Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Preparation Firstly whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. Then add the oil, soy milk and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk these ingredients together till you get a smooth batter, free of lumps. Then add vinegar, stir a few times and then pour the mixture into a pan. Bake for about 30 minutes and then check with a toothpick to see if it's done. Let it cool for 10 - 15 minutes and then the cake is ready to be served. These recipes could come to your rescue especially if you come across people who may not be big fans of chocolate cakes (sounds strange, but I speak from personal experience!)