Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. This ensures that your cake won't stick and will bake evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed. This helps ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in 1 cup of water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This combination will activate the baking soda.
Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your batter to be smooth but not overworked, which can lead to a dense cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing. This step helps achieve an even bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the cake set before transferring it.
Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows air to circulate around the cake and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, feel free to frost or serve as desired. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of frosting works beautifully!