The Best White Layer Cake Recipe for Special Celebrations

Baking a dreamy white layer cake can spark pure joy in your kitchen.

Soft, pillowy layers beckon with promises of sweet indulgence.

Whispers of vanilla dance through each delicate crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a celebration.

Delightful and elegant, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Carefully crafted techniques ensure a perfectly moist and tender result that impresses everyone.

Clouds of silky frosting promise to elevate this classic treat beyond ordinary expectations.

Slice into pure bliss and watch faces light up with delight.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the recipe. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients.

• 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 slightly springy when touched.

• What's the best way to beat egg whites for this recipe?

Use room temperature egg whites and a clean, dry mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, which means the whites are fluffy but not stiff.

What Makes New Favorite White Layer Cake So Popular

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this white layer cake welcomes beginners and delights experienced home cooks with its straightforward technique.
• Celebrate Special Moments: Ideal for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or any festive gathering where a classic dessert becomes the centerpiece of joy and connection.
• Customize Your Creation: Offers incredible flexibility to personalize with different frostings, fillings, or decorative touches that match your mood or event theme.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guarantees smiles with its tender, moist texture and delicate flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal crowd favorite.

Ingredients Needed for New Favorite White Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the white layer cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base that contributes to the cake's tender crumb and adds depth of flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, moist texture in the cake.
• Egg Whites: Add lightness and help create a delicate, airy cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake batter.

How to Bake New Favorite White Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab two round cake pans and give them a loving coat of grease and flour, making sure every nook and cranny is covered so your cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and light as a cloud.

Step 3: Whip Up Butter Base

Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale.

Gently mix in egg whites and vanilla extract, creating a smooth and silky foundation for your cake.

Step 4: Build Cake Batter

Gradually blend your dry ingredient mixture into the butter base, alternating with splashes of milk.

This technique helps create a super smooth and even cake batter without any lumps.

Step 5: Bake The Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Let them cool completely before adding frosting.

Step 7: Decorate With Delight

Frost and decorate your cake however your heart desires – get creative and have fun!

Pro Tips for New Favorite White Layer Cake

• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumpy cake texture and ensure even mixing.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better cake rise.
• Avoid overmixing batter to keep the cake tender and prevent tough, dense layers.
• Rotate cake pans halfway through baking for even golden-brown coloration and consistent doneness.
• Let egg whites come to room temperature before beating for maximum volume and lighter cake structure.

Variations to Explore with New Favorite White Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free Cloud Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a tender crumb for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap out some flour for cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate layer cake that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use almond milk instead of regular milk and coconut oil in place of butter for a completely dairy-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Almond Citrus Infusion: Add almond extract and lemon zest to the batter for a bright, nutty flavor profile that elevates the classic white cake.

Serving Suggestions for New Favorite White Layer Cake

• Elegant Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by slicing the cake into delicate triangles and arranging them on a vintage tiered cake stand with fresh berries and mint leaves.
• Sweet Birthday Celebration Treat: Top the cake with colorful birthday candles, sprinkle edible glitter, and serve on a special plate surrounded by coordinating party decorations for a festive touch.
• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Plate individual cake slices with a drizzle of raspberry coulis, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and garnish with fresh rose petals for an intimate dessert experience.
• Brunch Showstopper Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar, add fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches, and serve alongside a mimosa for a delightful weekend brunch centerpiece.

How to Keep New Favorite White Layer Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Place cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
• Freeze whole or sliced cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature and serving.

Perfect White Layer Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful white layer cake celebrates classic American dessert perfection with delicate crumb and silky frosting. Rich buttercream and tender cake layers promise a memorable sweet experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) cake flour
• 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly prepare baking equipment by greasing two 9-inch round cake pans and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth cake texture.
3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a light foundation for the cake.
4. Gently incorporate egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated and maintaining the delicate volume.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between additions to create a uniform, silky batter.
6. Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans, using a spatula to smooth the surface and eliminate air pockets.
7. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, helping them set and preventing potential crumbling.
9. Transfer layers to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete cooling before applying frosting or decorative elements.
10. Embellish with preferred frosting, creating a delectable white layer cake ready for serving.

Notes

• Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers to make this cake universally enjoyable.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to ensure smooth, even mixing and a perfectly tender cake texture.
• Separate egg whites carefully to prevent any yolk contamination, which can prevent the whites from whipping to their full, fluffy potential.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper for easier removal and to guarantee the cake comes out cleanly without sticking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg