The Perfect White Cake Recipe: Fluffy Sweetness in Every Bite

Baking a white cake with precision can elevate your dessert game to new heights.

Soft, pillowy layers promise pure deliciousness for every celebration.

Delicate crumbs melt on your tongue, creating memories of sweet moments.

Professional pastry techniques merge with home kitchen simplicity in this recipe.

Professional bakers know subtle secrets that transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary treats.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone closer.

This classic dessert guarantees smiles and joy around the table.

Why The Perfect White Cake Is a Classic

• Masterfully Simple: This white cake recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home cooks seeking a straightforward dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Versatile enough for birthdays, weddings, or casual gatherings, this classic cake brings people together with its light, tender crumb and universal appeal.
• Quick Preparation Magic: With minimal ingredients and uncomplicated steps, you can whip up this delectable cake faster than running to a bakery, ensuring a fresh homemade treat in no time.
• Customize with Ease: The basic white cake serves as an incredible canvas for creative frostings, fillings, and decorations, allowing you to personalize it for any celebration or mood.

The Perfect White Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and stability to the cake.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate texture.
• Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's light and airy structure without adding extra fat.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, consistent batter.

• Cake Pans: Nine-inch round pans are used for baking this classic white cake.

How to Bake The Perfect White Cake

Step 1: Prep The Baking Station

Set your oven to 350F and generously coat two 9-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Combine these ingredients until perfectly integrated and set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes incredibly light, airy, and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Whites

Carefully add egg whites one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky, uniform texture.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancer

Pour in vanilla extract and mix gently to distribute the rich, aromatic flavor throughout the batter.

Step 6: Create Smooth Batter

Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, alternating with milk.

Mix until the batter becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

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

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool And Prepare

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack.

Let cool completely before adding frosting or decorations.

Tips for The Perfect White Cake

• Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and liquids to ensure the cake's light, tender texture.
• Allow eggs, butter, and milk to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Gently fold ingredients to prevent tough, dense cake by stopping when the batter is just combined.
• Rotate cake pans halfway through baking to guarantee even browning and uniform rise.
• Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Variations of The Perfect White Cake

• Gluten-Free White Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a light and tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan White Cake: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba, use plant-based butter, and replace milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Lemon Zest White Cake: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Almond White Cake: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a nutty, aromatic variation.

Serving The Perfect White Cake

• Dreamy Dessert Pairing: Serve this delicate white cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, creamy contrast.
• Elegant Frosting Finale: Cover the cake with silky buttercream frosting and garnish with fresh raspberries or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.
• Tea Party Perfection: Slice the cake into delicate wedges and serve alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated afternoon treat that delights the senses.
• Berry Bliss Topping: Spread a layer of fresh mixed berries and a light whipped cream between cake layers for a fruity, refreshing twist that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Storing The Perfect White Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Use cake dome or large container to protect from dust.
• Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and store in freezer for convenient single-serving portions up to 1 month.

FAQs

• Why are egg whites used instead of whole eggs?

Egg whites help create a lighter, fluffier texture and keep the cake white, giving it a more delicate crumb and pristine appearance.

• Can I use all-purpose flour for this cake?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly. The recipe is designed to work well with standard all-purpose flour, creating a tender and soft cake.

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

The mixture should look pale, fluffy, and increased in volume. When you lift the beater, it should form soft peaks and look almost creamy in texture.

• What's the purpose of alternating milk and flour when mixing?

This technique prevents overmixing and helps create a smoother, more evenly textured batter by gradually incorporating ingredients and preventing lumps.

The Perfect White Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful White Cake elevates classic desserts with its cloud-like texture and elegant simplicity. Bakers seeking pure, delicate sweetness will discover a reliable recipe that promises celebration-worthy results you can proudly serve.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Leavening Agents:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 350F (175C) and coat two 9-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar together, beating until the mixture becomes pale and develops a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate egg whites individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
5. Stir vanilla extract into the batter, distributing the flavor evenly.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the batter, mixing gently after each addition to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
7. Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans, spreading it smoothly to ensure even baking.
8. Place pans in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
9. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to rest in pans for 10 minutes to stabilize their structure.
10. Carefully transfer cakes from pans onto a wire cooling rack, letting them cool completely before applying frosting.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter, more delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Separate egg whites carefully, avoiding any yolk contamination to achieve perfect meringue-like volume and fluffiness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 107 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg