Looking for the ultimate white cake recipe? You've come to the right place! Whether you're baking for a special celebration or simply want to treat yourself to a light, fluffy cake with a tender crumb, mastering the art of baking the perfect white cake is essential for any home baker. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know—from the key ingredients to detailed step-by-step instructions, substitutions, and common mistakes to avoid. Stick around for tips on serving, presentation ideas, and even frequently asked questions to ensure your white cake turns out picture-perfect every time!

What is a “White Cake”?
A white cake is a classic, light, and fluffy cake known for its pale, almost snow-white color. Unlike yellow cakes, which use whole eggs, white cakes get their signature color from egg whites alone. This type of cake is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any occasion where you want a sophisticated dessert that can easily be dressed up with frostings, fillings, or fruits. The neutral flavor of a white cake makes it an ideal canvas for various embellishments, from vanilla buttercream to rich chocolate ganache.
Ingredients List for the Perfect White Cake
Before we dive into the baking process, you need to gather your ingredients. Having everything pre-measured and ready will make the baking experience smoother and ensure a successful result.
- 2 ½ cups (300g) cake flour – Cake flour is essential for a soft, tender crumb. Avoid using all-purpose flour as it will make your cake denser.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt – A small amount enhances the cake's flavor.
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature – Adds moisture and richness.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – Butter gives the cake flavor and a tender texture.
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil – The oil adds moisture and ensures the cake stays soft for days.
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature – Provides structure while keeping the cake’s color white.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds flavor and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make the recipe your own? You can substitute certain ingredients or add extra flavorings to make your white cake more unique. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and add an extra ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum for improved texture.
- Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or another dairy-free alternative. For the butter, use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- Flavored Extracts: While vanilla is classic, you can switch things up by using different extracts like coconut, lemon, or even rose water.
- Healthier Option: For a slightly healthier version, swap the vegetable oil for applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fat content without sacrificing moisture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get into the fun part—baking the perfect white cake. Follow these instructions carefully to get the best results.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray, then dust them with a little flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these ingredients will help remove lumps and ensure an even distribution of the leavening agent, giving your cake a uniform rise.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Use an electric mixer for the best results. The butter-sugar mixture should be pale and airy, which will create a light, tender cake.
Step 4: Add the Oil, Egg Whites, and Extracts
With the mixer on medium speed, slowly add the vegetable oil to the butter mixture until fully incorporated. Next, add the egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts (if using) and mix until combined.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Milk
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Starting with the flour mixture, add about ⅓ of it to the wet ingredients. Follow this by adding ½ of the milk. Continue alternating the flour and milk until everything is just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and gently tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced bakers can run into issues when making a white cake. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Over-mixing the batter: Over-mixing will develop too much gluten, making your cake dense and chewy rather than light and fluffy.
- Not using room-temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients won’t incorporate properly, leading to a lumpy batter and uneven texture.
- Opening the oven door too early: Avoid the temptation to peek! Opening the oven door can cause your cake to sink in the middle due to sudden temperature changes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your perfect white cake is baked, it’s time to think about serving and presentation. A well-decorated cake can turn heads at any event.
How to Serve White Cake
White cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of fillings and frostings. You can keep it classic with vanilla buttercream, go decadent with chocolate ganache, or try a fruit-forward option like strawberry or lemon curd. Slice and serve with a side of fresh berries, or drizzle a light glaze for a polished look.
Presentation Ideas for White Cake
- Naked Cake: Leave the sides unfrosted for a rustic, modern look. Top with fresh flowers or berries for added beauty.
- Layered with Fruit: Add a layer of fruit preserves or fresh fruit slices between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: For a fun, festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter over the top of your frosted cake.
- Textured Frosting: Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create swirls, waves, or peaks in the frosting for a visually stunning texture.
White Cake Recipe Tips
- Sift your flour: Sifting the flour removes lumps and ensures a lighter, more airy cake.
- Use a scale: Weighing ingredients (especially flour) is more accurate than using cups and will improve the consistency of your results.
- Room temperature ingredients are key: This ensures everything blends together more smoothly, which leads to a finer crumb.
- Don’t overfill the cake pans: The batter should come no more than halfway up the sides of the pans to prevent overflow during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze white cake?
Yes, white cake freezes well! Allow the cake layers to cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A common reason for a cake sinking is opening the oven door too early during baking, which allows cold air in. Over-mixing the batter or not using enough leavening agents can also cause this issue.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Whole eggs will give the cake a more yellow tint and a slightly richer flavor. If you don't mind the color change, you can substitute two whole eggs for every four egg whites.
How can I make my white cake more moist?
Ensure that you don’t over-bake your cake. You can also add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil or replace some of the milk with sour cream for added moisture.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making the perfect white cake! With the right ingredients, proper technique, and a bit of patience, you can bake a soft, fluffy, and delicious cake that's sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this white cake is versatile enough to pair with almost any frosting or filling. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own. Happy baking!
PrintThe Perfect White Cake Recipe
This perfect white cake recipe creates a light and fluffy cake with classic ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Ideal for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion, this cake is simple to prepare and results in a stunning dessert. White cake recipes often call for egg whites to ensure the cake stays light and tender. Enjoy this homemade white cake with your favorite frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for smooth mixing.
- For extra moistness, you can brush the cooled cake layers with a simple syrup before frosting.
- This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
Leave a Reply