Classic White Cake Recipe

White Cake is a timeless classic known for its light, fluffy, and moist texture. With its delicate crumb and pure white appearance, this cake is a favorite for special occasions. Whether layered with rich buttercream or topped with a simple glaze, White Cake is the perfect base for a variety of flavors and decorations.

White Cake Recipe

Ingredients for White Cake

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and contributes to a tender texture.
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature – Keeps the cake light and helps achieve a pure white color.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the cake’s aroma.

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or buttermilk, at room temperature – Keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon almond extract – For a subtle nutty flavor, often used in wedding cakes.

For Greasing the Pans

• Butter or non-stick cooking spray – Prevents the cake from sticking.
• Parchment paper (optional) – Ensures easy removal from the pan.

These carefully chosen ingredients work together to create a soft, flavorful, and beautifully white cake, perfect for any celebration!

Instructions for Making White Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
3. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Lightly dust the pans with flour and tap out any excess.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
   • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
   • ½ teaspoon salt
2. Set the dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand or stand mixer, beat 1 cup (226g) softened unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Gradually add 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar, beating for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

1. Add 5 large egg whites (room temperature) one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
2. Mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (and ¼ teaspoon almond extract, if using) until fully combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low.
2. Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then mix until just combined.
3. Pour in ½ cup of milk (room temperature) and mix gently.
4. Repeat the process:
   • Add another ⅓ of the dry ingredients
   • Pour in the remaining ½ cup of milk
   • Finish with the last ⅓ of the dry ingredients
5. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
2. Place the pans in the center rack of the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. The edges should pull slightly away from the pan, and the tops should be lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers

1. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
2. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack.
3. Let them cool completely before frosting (at least 1 hour).

White Cake Recipe

This White Cake recipe is a part of American cuisine, specifically within the classic American baking tradition. It is widely popular in the United States and Western cuisines, often used for weddings, birthdays, and celebrations. Its light and fluffy texture makes it a versatile dessert that pairs well with various frostings and fillings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 32 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 People

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer) – Helps cream butter and sugar and mix the batter smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sifter (Optional) – For sifting flour to prevent lumps and create a lighter texture.
• Spatula – For scraping down the sides of the bowl and evenly spreading batter.
• Cake Pans (Two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans) – Holds the cake batter for baking.
• Parchment Paper (Optional) – Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Oven – Preheated to the right temperature for baking.
• Wire Cooling Rack – Allows the cake layers to cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester – Checks doneness by inserting into the cake center.

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 5 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
• Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

  In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

  In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  Add egg whites, one at a time, followed by vanilla and almond extract.
• Combine the Batter

  Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

  Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
• Bake the Cake

  Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans.

  Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool and Serve

  Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  Cool completely before frosting and decorating as desired.

Notes

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth batter and even baking.

Measure Ingredients Accurately – Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid a dense cake.

Do Not Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined.

Egg Whites Only – This keeps the cake bright white; yolks would add a yellow tint.

Use Parchment Paper – Lining your cake pans prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Check for Doneness – A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs when inserted in the center.

Let It Cool Completely – Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.

Storage Tips – Store at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

These notes will help you achieve a perfectly fluffy and moist White Cake every time!

Keyword White Cake Recipe

Tips for Making the Best White Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

• Butter, egg whites, and milk should all be at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

2. Properly Measure the Flour

• Use the spoon and level method: Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour, as it can lead to a dense cake.

3. Beat the Butter and Sugar Well

• Creaming the butter and sugar for at least 3-4 minutes adds air to the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

4. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, making the cake dense instead of soft.

5. Use Only Egg Whites for a Pure White Color

• Egg yolks add a yellow tint, so stick to egg whites to maintain the cake’s classic white look.

6. Bake Evenly

• Place cake pans on the center oven rack for even heat distribution.
• Rotate the pans halfway through baking if your oven has uneven heating.

7. Check for Doneness Properly

• Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.
• The edges should slightly pull away from the pan, and the top should spring back when lightly touched.

8. Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting

• Warm cake layers can cause frosting to melt and slide off. Wait at least 1 hour before decorating.

9. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal

• Lining the cake pans with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps keep the cake intact when flipping it out.

10. Store the Cake Properly

• Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze layers for up to 3 months by wrapping them in plastic and placing them in an airtight container.

Following these tips will help you achieve a soft, fluffy, and perfect White Cake every time!

Conclusion

This White Cake recipe is a timeless classic that delivers a soft, fluffy, and moist texture, making it perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake provides the perfect base for a variety of frostings and fillings. With its delicate crumb and pure white color, it not only looks elegant but also tastes delicious with every bite.

By following the step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you can achieve a bakery-quality cake right at home. Whether you keep it simple with a light vanilla buttercream or get creative with different flavors, this White Cake is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and most importantly, sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones!

Katelyn Williams

Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!