I have tried several scratch recipes for cake and I can't seem to find one that doesn't turn out tasting like a pancake. Any ideas why this is happening? Help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Is it just the taste, or is it textural? What kind of vanilla are you using? You may need to use more than what the recipe calls for. I use NM vanilla which is very expensive but it's worth it. Just make sure you aren't using imitation vanilla. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

I agree about the vanilla. Also, if you are using slightly too much flour (based on the way you measure it), that can affect the flavor among other things. It will also affect the texture/performance of the recipe.