Classic White Cake Recipe

This classic White Cake Recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance, making it a timeless choice for any celebration.

With its tender crumb, fluffy texture and light vanilla flavor, this cake is ideal for layering with your favorite frosting or enjoying on its own – one of our Best Cake Recipes!

Whether for birthdays, weddings, or casual gatherings, this versatile white cake recipe guarantees a beautifully baked masterpiece every time!

Top off your cake with Perfect Vanilla Frosting!

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What Does White Cake Taste Like

This white cake recipe has a light, delicate flavor with a subtle sweetness and a mild hint of vanilla.

Its taste is often less rich than other cakes because it uses egg whites and sometimes shortening instead of butter, which creates a clean, simple flavor profile.

This makes it a versatile base that pairs well with various fillings and frostings, like fruit, whipped cream or buttercream.

Are White Cake and Vanilla Cake the Same

White cake and vanilla cake are similar but not identical.

Both have a vanilla flavor, but their ingredients and textures differ.

White cake is made using only egg whites, clear vanilla extract and sometimes shortening instead of butter to maintain its pure white color. This gives it a lighter, fluffier texture and a milder flavor.

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In contrast, vanilla cake includes whole eggs, which add a pale yellow tint and a slightly richer flavor. It often uses real vanilla extract and butter, enhancing its taste and creating a denser texture.

While both are delicious, their subtle differences make them unique.

Cake Ingredients

For the full ingredient measurements, scroll on down to the white cake recipe card.

• Non-stick cooking spray
• unsalted butter
• vegetable shortening
• granulated sugar
• egg whites
• real vanilla extract
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt
• whole milk

How to Make White Cake From Scratch

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the top rack in the center. Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg whites and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool completely.

Once cooled, level the top of each cake layer by slicing off the rounded tops (a cake leveler works well for this). Place one layer, leveled side down, on a cake plate. Spread a thin layer of Buttercream Frosting over the top.

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Place the second cake layer on top, leveled side down. Spread the remaining frosting over the top, working it from the center outward to the edges. Smooth a thin layer of frosting over the sides of the cake for a modern, minimal look.

NOTE: For a trendy, modern look, apply a thin layer of frosting to the cake’s sides. Prefer a thicker layer? Increase the frosting recipe by half. Add berries on top for a stunning presentation.

More Layer Cake Recipes

Discover more layer cake recipes like this white cake recipe that bring delicious flavors and stunning presentations to your dessert table!

• Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake
• Lemon Mousse Cake
• Whiskey Chocolate Ganache Cake
• Snow White Coconut Cake
• Honey Bun Cake
• Chocolate Raspberry Cake
• Black Forest Cake
• Grapefruit Layer Cake
• Easy Carrot Cake