Your Dreamy White Layer Cake Recipe: A Sweet Showstopper

Crafting a white layer cake brings pure joy to my kitchen adventures.

Soft, cloud-like textures promise delightful moments of sweetness.

Bakers seek perfection in every delicate crumb and smooth frosting layer.

Whispers of vanilla drift through the air, creating anticipation for something extraordinary.

My grandmother’s cherished techniques inspire each careful mixing step.

Precision matters when creating such a classic dessert.

You’ll fall in love with this foolproof recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Best Storage for White Layer Cake

• Store leftover cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Refrigerate frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, protecting it from absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping each layer individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen cake layers at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Why use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Cake flour has less protein, which creates a softer, more tender crumb with a finer texture compared to all-purpose flour, resulting in a lighter and more delicate cake.

• Can I substitute whole eggs for egg whites?

Using only egg whites keeps the cake white and creates a lighter texture. Whole eggs will change the color and make the cake denser, potentially affecting the cake’s signature light and fluffy consistency.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden and spring back when lightly touched.

New Favorite White Layer Cake Story

• Craft Delightful Layers: Create a stunning white cake with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for bakers at any level.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile recipe works wonderfully for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want a sweet treat that everyone will love.
• Smooth Texture Guarantee: Technique of alternating flour and milk ensures a tender, moist cake with a soft, velvety crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Quick Celebration Centerpiece: Minimal prep and straightforward mixing method means you can have a beautiful homemade cake ready faster than purchasing from a bakery.

Ingredients for White Layer Cake

• Cake Flour: A soft, finely milled flour that helps create a tender and delicate cake texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy cake base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
• Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's structure and help create a light, airy consistency.
• Vanilla: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.

Stepwise White Layer Cake Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Grab two 9-inch cake pans and generously coat them with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Set your oven to 350F (175C) and let it warm up while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

This process helps create a soft, tender cake texture.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites

Gradually incorporate egg whites into the butter mixture, one at a time.

Beat thoroughly after each addition to ensure smooth integration. Stir in vanilla extract for a delightful aroma and flavor.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, gently folding to maintain the batter’s airiness.

Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare for Frosting

Allow cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to wire cooling racks and let them cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Secrets to White Layer Cake Success

• Select cake flour for the most delicate, tender crumb texture in your white layer cake.
• Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending and consistent cake texture.
• Beat egg whites separately to create maximum volume and lightness in the cake layers.
• Use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in your white cake.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and sliding off the layers.

Creative Twists on White Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free Wonder Cake: Replace cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Almond Milk Magic: Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, nutty flavor profile that adds subtle complexity.
• Chocolate Dream Variation: Mix cocoa powder into the dry ingredients to transform the classic white cake into a rich chocolate version.
• Vegan Cloud Cake: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg whites with aquafaba, and choose plant-based milk to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free cake.

Ways to Serve White Layer Cake

• Rustic Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve slices with delicate porcelain teacups, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, and add fresh berries on the side for an elegant English-inspired gathering.
• Celebration Centerpiece: Stack layers with classic vanilla buttercream, decorate with edible flowers or fresh rose petals, creating a stunning dessert perfect for birthdays or weddings.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Cut into smaller squares, pair with fresh whipped cream, drizzle with light honey or maple syrup, and serve alongside fresh fruit compote for a delightful morning treat.
• Nostalgic Family Dessert: Slice cake into generous portions, serve with cold milk or coffee, and enjoy as a comforting weekend family dessert that brings everyone together around the table.

Best Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delectable white layer cake brings pure joy to dessert tables across America. Moist crumb and silky frosting create a classic celebration treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 3/4 cups (345 grams) cake flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking equipment by coating two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring cake flour, baking powder, and salt are thoroughly blended with a whisk.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate egg whites individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Gradually incorporate dry flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two and ensuring smooth integration. Always begin and conclude with the flour mixture to maintain proper consistency.
7. Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared pans, using a spatula to smooth the surfaces.
8. Place pans in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to rest in the pans for 10 minutes to stabilize their structure.
10. Carefully transfer cakes to wire cooling racks and let them cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and a lighter cake texture.
• Sift the cake flour twice for an ultra-fine, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when baking, to guarantee consistent results every time.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding almond extract or lemon zest to complement the vanilla base.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 274 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg