Classic White Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing showstopper, the Classic White Cake Recipe deserves a spot at the center of your table. This bakery-style favorite is all about delicate, fluffy layers bursting with a sweet vanilla aroma and dreamy tender crumb. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just looking to sweeten an ordinary day, this classic is incredibly versatile—ready to be dressed up with your favorite frosting or enjoyed with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Trust me, you’ll want to have seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every memorable Classic White Cake Recipe starts with the basics, but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient works its magic. From the velvety richness of butter to the signature pale hue delivered by egg whites, these essentials blend together to make something truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure and a soft, tender crumb—sift for extra fluffiness!
- Baking powder: The secret to that perfect rise and light texture in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet flavors and balances the cake beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creams up into a dreamy, airy base for rich flavor and moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a fine, delicate texture.
- Egg whites, room temperature: Ensures a brilliant white color and a cloudlike softness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, floral notes—use clear extract for ultra-white layers.
- Whole milk: Brings added richness and keeps every bite light and tender.
- Sour cream: The little secret for added moisture and just the right hint of tang.
How to Make Classic White Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment circles to make sure nothing sticks. This is your foundation for picture-perfect cake layers that pop right out ready for decorating.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This quick step gets the leavening and seasoning perfectly distributed, so your Classic White Cake Recipe bakes up evenly with a tender crumb from edge to edge.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and just begging you to dip in a spoon. This takes about 3–4 minutes and gives the cake its beautiful lift and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg Whites and Vanilla
One at a time, add the egg whites and beat well after each addition. This is how you coax the air into the batter for a true bakery-style crumb. Once the egg whites are in, mix in your vanilla extract—if you’re after a pure white cake, opt for clear vanilla here.
Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together your whole milk and sour cream. Working in three parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter base, starting and ending with the dry mix. Be gentle and don’t overmix—this is key for a Classic White Cake Recipe that’s feather-light.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the cake batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Pop them in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull ever so slightly away from the sides.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then gently turn them out onto the rack to finish cooling. Patience is key—resist the urge to frost until the layers are completely cool to the touch!
How to Serve Classic White Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A Classic White Cake Recipe is practically a blank canvas for your creativity. Swirl on creamy buttercream, add a dusting of powdered sugar, or decorate with fresh edible flowers and seasonal berries for a beautiful finish that wows every time.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with fruit salad, a tart lemon curd, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The neutral yet luscious flavor of Classic White Cake Recipe matches beautifully with citrus, chocolate, and fresh berries for a truly memorable dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, transform your layers into a tiered wedding-style cake or use cookie cutters to make individual mini cakes. Try layering diced strawberries and whipped cream between the slices for a refreshing twist—they’ll look and taste like a bakery masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), wrap your Classic White Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep the crumb moist and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
For make-ahead magic, wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, let the cakes thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling your masterpiece.
Reheating
If your cake feels a little chilly from storage, let slices come to room temperature naturally for the best texture. For a warm treat, microwave individual pieces for 10–15 seconds—just enough to make the crumb extra tender and the flavors sing.
FAQs
Can I turn this Classic White Cake Recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake at the same temperature for 16–20 minutes. You’ll get light, fluffy cupcakes perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.
Why does the cake use only egg whites?
Egg whites keep the cake’s color pure and its texture light. Yolks would add richness but also a yellow hue, so for that iconic Classic White Cake Recipe look and taste, it’s all about the whites!
My cake turned out dense—what went wrong?
Most often, dense cake is a result of overmixing after the dry ingredients are added. Mix just until everything is combined, and be sure to properly cream your butter and sugar at the start for the fluffiest crumb.
What frosting goes best with this cake?
You can’t go wrong with vanilla or almond buttercream, but this Classic White Cake Recipe is also lovely with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even a dollop of lemon curd for something tart and bright.
Can I use skim or plant-based milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk adds a bit of richness, but you can swap in your preferred milk alternative with only a slight change in flavor and texture. The cake will still bake up beautifully, but it may not be quite as tender or rich as the original.
Final Thoughts
Baking from scratch is always a rewarding experience, and this Classic White Cake Recipe is one of those treasures that wins hearts every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just venturing into cakes, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it’s pure, timeless, and simply delicious!
Print
Classic White Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic elegance of a homemade white cake with this delicious recipe. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat, this moist and fluffy cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate egg whites one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter mixture.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 28–32 minutes.
- Cool and frost: Let cakes cool before frosting and decorating.
Notes
- This white cake pairs well with various frostings like buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped frosting.
- For a pristine white appearance, use clear vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
