White Cake Recipe – The Best Fluffy and Moist White Cake

There is something undeniably special about a classic white cake. It’s light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you are making it for a wedding, birthday, or just a weekend treat, this white cake recipe delivers the perfect balance of softness and structure. Unlike yellow cakes that use whole eggs, this recipe relies on egg whites to achieve its pristine white color, making it visually stunning and ideal for decorating with any frosting.

I first fell in love with white cake at a family gathering. My grandmother always made a stunning two-tiered white cake covered in silky buttercream. The texture was delicate yet sturdy enough to hold its shape when sliced, and the flavor had just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. Ever since then, I have been on a mission to perfect the ultimate white cake recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you.

This cake is made completely from scratch with simple pantry staples. You won’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. The key to its soft texture is whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter, creating a structure that is both light and stable. The result is a cake that stays moist yet has enough density to hold up well for stacking and decorating.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, this white cake recipe is easy to follow and guarantees bakery-quality results every time. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special and why you’ll love making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless cake recipes out there, but this white cake stands out for several reasons.

1. Soft, Fluffy, and Sturdy

This cake strikes the perfect balance between lightness and structure. While it’s incredibly soft and tender, it is also sturdy enough to hold up under layers of frosting, fondant, or even a tiered wedding cake design.

2. Bright White Color

Many cakes have a yellow or golden tint due to the use of whole eggs and butter. This recipe, however, eliminates egg yolks and uses only egg whites, resulting in a stunningly white cake that looks elegant and refined.

3. Easy to Make

With simple, everyday ingredients, this cake comes together with minimal effort. You don’t need any advanced baking skills to achieve a professional-looking result.

4. Customizable Flavor

While classic vanilla is the go-to flavor for white cake, you can easily add almond extract, lemon zest, or other flavorings to make it uniquely yours.

5. Pairs Well with Any Frosting

White cake is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even chocolate ganache. Whether you prefer a classic vanilla frosting or a tangy fruit filling, this cake serves as the perfect base.

Health Benefits

While cakes are often considered indulgent, this white cake has a few nutritional benefits when made with the right ingredients.

1. Lower in Fat

Since this recipe omits egg yolks, it naturally contains less fat compared to traditional yellow cake recipes. Using a combination of butter and oil allows for a moist texture without excessive saturated fat.

2. Controlled Sugar Content

Many commercial white cakes are loaded with excessive sugar. By making it from scratch, you have control over the amount of sugar used, ensuring it’s sweet but not overly sugary.

3. No Artificial Ingredients

Unlike boxed cake mixes that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this homemade white cake uses real ingredients, making it a cleaner and more wholesome option.

4. Customizable for Dietary Needs

This cake can be adapted for different dietary preferences. You can make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or swap out traditional sugar for a natural sweetener if desired.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Before we start baking, here’s a quick overview of the time required, servings, and nutritional details.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:

• Makes two 8-inch cakes, enough for 12-16 slices

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Without Frosting):

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 25g

Now that you know what to expect in terms of prep time and nutrition, let’s gather our ingredients.

Ingredients List

Wet Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 6 large egg whites, room temperature

Dry Ingredients:

• 2⅔ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Frosting (Optional):

• 2 cups butter (for buttercream)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

With our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to bake the perfect white cake.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.
• Add sugar and oil, beating until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk.

Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

• Using a hand mixer, beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

Fold Egg Whites into Batter

• Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, making sure not to deflate the air.

Bake the Cake

• Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

• Let cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Once fully cooled, frost with your favorite buttercream.

How to Serve

• Classic Style: Frost with vanilla buttercream and top with fresh berries.
• Wedding Cake: Stack multiple layers and decorate with edible flowers.
• Birthday Cake: Add sprinkles or a fruit filling for a fun touch.

Pairing Suggestions

• Drinks: Pairs well with coffee, tea, or a vanilla milkshake.
• Side Treats: Serve with whipped cream or a fruit compote.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing Batter: Leads to a dense cake.
• Not Whipping Egg Whites Properly: Affects texture.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Makes it harder to remove from pans.

Pro Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing.
• Sift the Flour: Creates a lighter texture.

Creative Ways to Decorate Your White Cake

A beautifully decorated cake can transform any occasion into something special. Whether you’re making a wedding cake, a birthday treat, or a simple family dessert, here are some creative ideas to elevate your white cake.

Floral Elegance: Fresh edible flowers such as roses, pansies, or lavender can add a natural and sophisticated touch. For an extra pop of color, consider sugaring the petals.

Drizzled Ganache: A silky chocolate or white chocolate ganache drizzled over the top and down the sides creates a dramatic effect. This pairs especially well with a fruit-flavored filling like raspberry or lemon.

Textured Buttercream: Use a spatula or piping techniques to create textures such as rustic swirls, ruffled edges, or a smooth ombré gradient. Experimenting with different buttercream finishes allows you to customize the cake to your event’s theme.

Elegant Fondant Work: If you want a polished and professional look, covering your cake in fondant provides a smooth canvas for additional decorations like sugar pearls, lace patterns, or monogrammed details.

Sprinkle Fun: For a more playful look, coat the sides or top with rainbow or gold sprinkles. This is a great option for birthdays or celebratory cakes.

How to Make a Moist and Tender White Cake

A dry cake can be disappointing, but with the right techniques, you can ensure your white cake stays incredibly moist and tender.

Use Cake Flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a finer, softer crumb. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients don’t incorporate as smoothly into the batter. Allow your butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing to create a uniform, airy batter.

Proper Mixing: Overmixing the batter develops excess gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and be gentle when folding in the egg whites to maintain airiness.

Don’t Overbake: Baking for too long will dry out the cake. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Add Sour Cream or Yogurt: A small amount of sour cream or yogurt can enhance moisture without making the cake too heavy. This trick is especially useful if you plan to refrigerate the cake before serving.

Different Frostings to Pair with White Cake

The right frosting can completely change the flavor profile of your white cake. Here are some delicious options that pair beautifully with its delicate texture.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream: A smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream enhances the lightness of the cake without overpowering its flavor. For extra depth, try adding a touch of almond or coconut extract.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream: If you prefer a frosting that is silky and less sweet, Swiss meringue buttercream is a great option. It has a smooth texture and a rich, buttery taste that balances well with the cake’s sweetness.

Whipped Cream Frosting: Light and airy, this frosting is perfect for a refreshing and less heavy cake. Pair it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Cream Cheese Frosting: For a slight tangy contrast, cream cheese frosting adds a hint of richness that complements the delicate white cake. This pairing works particularly well with fruit fillings like lemon curd or raspberry jam.

Chocolate Ganache: If you love the combination of vanilla and chocolate, a rich, glossy chocolate ganache drizzled over the top can create a visually striking and decadent finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. If you need to make it even further in advance, freeze the layers and thaw before assembling.

What can I use if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by measuring out one cup of all-purpose flour, removing two tablespoons, and replacing it with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift well before using.

Why did my cake turn out dense instead of fluffy?
This could be due to overmixing the batter, not whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks, or overbaking. Make sure to gently fold in the egg whites and avoid excessive stirring.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the best way to keep this cake moist?
Store the cake in an airtight container, and if refrigerating, let it come to room temperature before serving. You can also brush a light simple syrup onto the layers before frosting for extra moisture.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes! A mix of vanilla and almond extract adds a delicious depth of flavor. Be sure not to use too much almond extract, as it has a strong taste—½ teaspoon is usually enough.

Is this cake sturdy enough for stacking?
Yes, this white cake is soft but sturdy enough for layering. It holds up well under buttercream or fondant, making it a great choice for wedding cakes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious white cake. Let me know how it turns out in the comments! Happy baking!

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