If you’re craving the perfect, tender, and irresistibly moist cake, look no further than this Classic White Cake Recipe. It’s a timeless favorite that has the ideal balance of sweet and subtle vanilla flavor, making it the perfect base for any celebration or just because. Whether you’re layering it with frosting, adding fresh berries, or enjoying it plain, this cake promises a soft crumb that melts in your mouth every single time. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time and will soon become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic White Cake Recipe calls for simple and familiar ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role, offering the perfect texture, flavor, and light appearance that white cake lovers adore.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake, ensuring a perfect crumb.
- Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, making the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the batter.
- Butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the cake, adding moisture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that lovely cake texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and stability to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Offers the signature warm, sweet aroma and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a smooth batter, contributing to the soft crumb.
How to Make Classic White Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have your oven at the right temperature for even baking. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans well—this prevents sticking and helps your cakes come out perfectly smooth on the outside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only removes any lumps but also aerates the mixture, contributing to the cake’s light texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
With a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step introduces air, which is key to that fluffy cake texture that everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse your cake with a wonderful aroma and subtle sweetness.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture to create the perfect batter consistency. Stir gently until smooth—avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cooling the cakes completely in their pans is crucial to prevent your frosting from melting. Once cooled, your cake is ready to be layered and decorated to your heart’s content.
How to Serve Classic White Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The Classic White Cake Recipe’s gentle flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of garnishes. Consider fresh berries or edible flowers for a bright, natural touch, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple but elegant look.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream to elevate your cake into a decadent dessert experience. Light fruit compotes or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also make fantastic complements.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into a layered masterpiece with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, or try a fresh strawberry and whipped cream filling for a delightful twist. For parties, decorate with themed sprinkles or edible glitter to add sparkle and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Classic White Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each cake layer individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Frozen, the layers can last up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Reheating
No need to heat slices before serving, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive the softness and make every bite even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! You can swap the milk for almond, soy, or oat milk in equal amounts to keep the batter moist and flavorful without sacrificing texture.
Why is my white cake dense instead of fluffy?
Dense cake is usually a result of overmixing the batter or incorrect ingredient measurements. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and measure your flour carefully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly depending on the blend used.
What frosting pairs best with Classic White Cake Recipe?
Classic buttercream is a popular choice, but cream cheese frosting or whipped cream are equally delicious and complement the delicate vanilla flavor wonderfully.
How do I get an even cake layer?
Level your batter evenly in the pans before baking and use a cake leveler or serrated knife after cooling to create perfectly flat layers for stacking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Classic White Cake Recipe is like giving yourself a gift of pure, simple joy. It’s a recipe that invites creativity while delivering that comforting, nostalgic cake flavor everyone loves. So don your apron, gather these lovely ingredients, and make a cake that will surely bring smiles to your table and warmth to your heart.
Print
Classic White Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic White Cake recipe is a timeless dessert favorite that’s light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk, it creates a tender crumb ideal for celebrations or everyday treats. The cake pans are greased and floured to ensure easy release, baked to a golden finish, and ready to be frosted once cooled.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure the cakes do not stick after baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to integrate them fully. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until smooth to avoid overworking the batter.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before frosting or layering.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened (not melted) for best creaming results.
- Do not overmix after combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter emulsify properly.
- If desired, frost with buttercream or your favorite icing once cakes have fully cooled.
