White Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect show-stopping dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious, look no further than this White Cake Recipe. This irresistible cake boasts a soft, tender crumb and subtle vanilla-almond flavor, all balanced by a dreamy, fluffy white buttercream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten an ordinary day, this classic cake always delivers—the results are picturesque and every bite tastes like pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great cakes begin with simple, quality ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. Each item on this list is specially chosen to add something meaningful—delicate structure, moistness, sweetness, and just the right hint of flavor—to your finished White Cake Recipe.

• Cake flour: Delivers that hallmark fine crumb and softness white cake is known for.
• Baking powder: Guarantees the classic light, airy rise in each layer.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors throughout the cake and frosting.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a rich, creamy texture in both the cake and the frosting—don’t skip the room-temperature step!
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and also aids in tenderizing, giving the crumb its perfect bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Supplies the classic sweet warmth that pairs beautifully in a White Cake Recipe.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic twist that takes this cake from good to unforgettable.
• Large egg whites (room temperature): Essential for a soft white color and that light springy texture.
• Whole milk (room temperature): Moistens the batter and adds subtle richness—room temp is key for an even blend!
• Confectioners’ sugar (sifted): Forms the cloud-like, smooth base of the classic buttercream.
• Pinch kosher salt: Just a touch brings out all the dreamy vanilla flavors in your frosting.
• More whole milk (for frosting): Lets you adjust the consistency to your liking, from thick and pipeable to light and spreadable.
• Extracts and flavorings (as desired): Get creative—add a dash more almond or even a touch of citrus for your personal signature!

How to Make White Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives your cake a hot, welcoming environment for an even bake. Next, line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and give them a generous mist of nonstick spray—this makes sure your gorgeous layers release easily and look bakery-perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step blends your leaveners evenly so the cake rises flawlessly, and also keeps the crumb light. Set your dry mixture aside—you’re laying the foundation for a truly sublime White Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Extracts

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and almond extracts on medium-high until light and fluffy—give it about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part! Creaming properly incorporates air and makes your cake incredibly soft. It’s also worth pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times, so every bit of butter gets whipped to perfection.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites

With the mixer on low, gently add in the egg whites one at a time. Allow each egg white to fully blend before adding the next, and scrape down your bowl as needed. This patient step not only keeps the batter smooth but also is key for that signature pure white crumb we all swoon over in a great White Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Now, with the mixer still on its lowest speed, alternate adding your flour mixture and the milk. Start with a third of the flour mix, then add half the milk, another third of the flour, the rest of the milk, and the last of the flour. Stop the mixer as soon as it’s just combined—overmixing can zap some of that tender texture you’re after.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake on the center rack for 26 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool the cakes directly in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Don’t rush this step—frosting a cooled cake prevents messy smears and helps the buttercream hold its structure.

Step 7: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Using your stand mixer and paddle attachment again, beat together all the frosting ingredients: room-temperature butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, a pinch of salt, and any extracts or flavorings you like. Start low until the sugar is incorporated, then switch to high speed and mix until the buttercream is supple, fluffy, and smooth—about 2 minutes. If you like your frosting a little softer or need it spreadable, gradually mix in whole milk, just a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right.

Step 8: Frost and Assemble

Once your cakes are cool, slather on a generous layer of frosting over the top of one, stack on the second layer, then cover the entire cake with more of that pillowy buttercream. Use an offset spatula to swirl the frosting into dramatic peaks, or smooth it for a classic clean finish. This is where your White Cake Recipe truly transforms into a bakery-style marvel!

How to Serve White Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a timeless look, simply decorate your cake with a few flurries of white chocolate curls, sprinkles, or a handful of edible flowers. If you want to dial up the elegance, a few fresh berries add a pop of color without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavor. Or, for a sleek finish, just a sprinkle of sanding sugar will make your White Cake Recipe glisten beautifully in the light.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a glass of cold milk, a mug of afternoon tea, or a flute of sparkling wine for an elevated experience. White cake is incredibly versatile—it also loves company from fresh fruit salad, lemon sorbet, or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. This simple treat can easily become the centerpiece of your dessert table with a few thoughtful pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your finished cake into petite cubes for a stunning dessert platter, or layer the cake and frosting into jars for festive “cake parfaits.” You can even use your White Cake Recipe as the base for a dramatic trifle layered with whipped cream and fruit. Add a ribbon around your cake for a celebration-ready presentation, or top with custom cake toppers to make birthdays and milestones feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your White Cake Recipe tasting its freshest, store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to keep the cake in the fridge—just let slices come to room temperature before serving to bring back their soft, tender crumb.

Freezing

Both the baked cake layers and the buttercream freeze beautifully, making this recipe perfect for planning ahead. Wrap the completely cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Frost the cake while still partially frozen for easier assembly, or freeze frosted slices in airtight containers—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

While cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, if your slices are a bit cold from the fridge, let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving. For that fresh-baked feel, pop an unfrosted cake slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just until slightly warm. Avoid reheating buttercream-topped cake in the microwave, as the frosting can melt or turn oily.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, cake flour creates a finer, more tender crumb that sets this White Cake Recipe apart. If you must substitute, try removing 2 tablespoons of flour from each cup of all-purpose and replacing it with cornstarch for a similar texture.

How do I make this cake extra moist?

The combination of room-temperature ingredients and careful mixing ensures a naturally moist cake, but you can brush cooled layers with simple syrup if you want even more lusciousness. Be careful not to overbake, as this is the top culprit for dry cake.

Can I color the cake or the frosting?

Absolutely! For special occasions, feel free to fold a few drops of food coloring into the batter for pastel layers, or tint the buttercream with gel coloring for a bright or ombre effect. The neutral shade of this cake means your colors will stay vibrant and true.

Is this White Cake Recipe good for stacking or decorating?

Yes! The firm, tender crumb and smooth buttercream make this recipe an excellent foundation for layer cakes, wedding cakes, or even tiered showstoppers. Chill the cake layers before assembly and use dowels if stacking three or more layers.

Can I make this White Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Swap in a high-quality non-dairy butter alternative and use your favorite unsweetened plant milk in place of whole milk. Check your extracts and sugar to be sure they’re also vegan-approved if needed—the result will still be deliciously light and sweet!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so magical about serving up a classic White Cake Recipe—one slice and you’ll see why it’s so beloved. No matter what you’re celebrating (or even if you’re baking just because), this cake promises flavor, elegance, and a heap of compliments. Go ahead and treat yourself or someone you love to this timeless delight—you deserve it!

Print