The Perfect White Cake Recipe

The Fluffiest White Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Bake

Sweet bakers seeking the perfect white cake will discover a foolproof method that guarantees delectable results every single time.

Layers of tender, cloud-like goodness await your culinary adventure.

Soft crumb and delicate flavor characterize this classic dessert that stands apart from ordinary recipes.

Professional pastry techniques combine with simple ingredients to create magic in your kitchen.

Mixing becomes effortless with precise measurements and smart techniques that ensure success.

Each slice promises pure delight, promising to impress even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward approach that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary celebration centerpiece.

FAQs

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

Cake flour has lower protein content, which creates a softer, more tender crumb and lighter texture compared to all-purpose flour, ensuring a delicate and fluffy white cake.

  • What makes egg whites important in this recipe?

Egg whites provide structure, help the cake rise, and contribute to the cake’s light and airy texture without adding yellow color, keeping the cake perfectly white.

  • How do I know if I've creamed butter and sugar correctly?

The mixture should become pale, fluffy, and increase in volume, looking almost like whipped cream. This process incorporates air, helping the cake rise and creating a tender crumb.

The Secret to the Perfect White Cake

  • Bake with Ease: This white cake recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice bakers can follow confidently, making it a perfect starting point for those new to cake making.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The classic white cake appeals to all ages, from kids to adults, with its simple yet delicious flavor that works perfectly for birthdays, gatherings, or casual dessert moments.
  • Customize Your Creation: Versatile frosting and decorating options allow you to personalize the cake for any celebration, transforming a basic recipe into a showstopping dessert with minimal extra effort.
  • Quick Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique mean you can whip up this delightful cake without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home bakers seeking a reliable sweet treat.

Ingredients for Baking the Perfect White Cake

Cake Dry Ingredients:
  • Cake Flour: A soft, fine flour that creates 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.
Cake Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and a smooth, creamy base for the cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden cake color.
  • Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's structure and create a lighter texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Heavy Cream, Salt: Combine to create a smooth, creamy, and sweet frosting that complements the white cake perfectly.

Step-by-Step White Cake Baking Instructions

Step-by-Step White Cake Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F.

Grab two round cake pans and coat them thoroughly with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes incredibly light, airy, and looks almost cloud-like.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Whites

Gently add egg whites into the butter mixture, stirring carefully after each addition to create a silky smooth base.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancer

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to infuse the batter with rich, aromatic notes.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture.

Start with flour and end with flour, mixing gently to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter evenly into prepared pans.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to wire cooling racks and let them cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla
  • Heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Adjust consistency by adding more cream if needed.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Frost the cake with your luxurious buttercream, creating smooth layers or decorative swirls as desired.

Slice and enjoy your heavenly white cake!

Pro Tips for Light and Fluffy White Cake

  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift cake flour, which ensures a lighter, more delicate cake texture without lumps.
  • Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Fold ingredients gently to maintain air bubbles, preventing a dense cake and ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
  • Check cake doneness early and remove from oven when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs to keep the cake incredibly moist.
  • Add cream or milk gradually when making frosting to control thickness, creating a spreadable and silky smooth coating.

Variations to Customize Your White Cake

  • Gluten-Free White Cake: Replace cake flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Chocolate Marble Cake: Swirl melted dark chocolate into half the batter before baking to create a marbled effect.
  • Lemon Infused Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter and replace vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy flavor profile.
  • Coconut Cream Variation: Substitute milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical touch.

Serving Ideas for White Cake Celebrations

  • Elegant Tea Party Centerpiece: Slice the white cake into delicate wedges and arrange on a vintage tiered stand, perfect for an afternoon tea gathering with friends.
  • Romantic Date Night Dessert: Plate individual slices with a drizzle of raspberry sauce and a sprinkle of fresh berries, creating a stunning and intimate dessert for two.
  • Classic Birthday Celebration Presentation: Decorate the cake with colorful candles, fresh flowers, or personalized cake toppers to make any birthday extra special and memorable.
  • Bridal Shower Showstopper: Enhance the cake with soft pastel frosting, edible pearls, or delicate sugar flowers for an elegant and sophisticated wedding-related event.

How to Store White Cake for Maximum Freshness

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing.
  • Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick single-serving treats.
  • Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
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The Perfect White Cake Recipe

The Perfect White Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

White cake lovers will adore this classic White Cake Recipe that combines delicate crumb with pure vanilla essence. Bakers can create a tender, moist dessert perfect for celebrations and special moments you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups (345 grams) cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare workspace by positioning oven rack in center and heating to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and flour.
  2. Sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring uniform texture and eliminating potential lumps.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks forming.
  4. Incorporate egg whites gradually into the butter-sugar blend, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain smooth integration.
  5. Blend vanilla extract into the mixture, distributing the flavor evenly.
  6. Alternate adding dry flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and concluding with flour. Mix gently to prevent overmixing and maintain cake’s delicate texture.
  7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean and golden edges are visible.
  8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks. Let cakes cool completely to room temperature.
  9. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until silky. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Adjust liquid content to achieve desired spreading consistency.
  10. Once cakes are fully cooled, apply frosting generously, creating smooth layers and decorative finish as preferred.

Notes

  • Sift flour thoroughly to ensure a light, airy cake texture with no lumps.
  • Use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and egg whites, for smoother mixing and better cake rise.
  • Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and tenderness.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a delicate crumb.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 51
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 231mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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