Nothing beats the timeless charm of the Classic White Cake Recipe, a delightfully tender and fluffy cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This cake’s perfectly balanced sweetness and moist crumb make it the ideal base for celebrations big and small, or simply a comforting treat to brighten your day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a staple for your kitchen adventures, offering that classic, nostalgic flavor everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to the Classic White Cake Recipe’s unbeatable taste and texture. Each ingredient contributes in its own special way—flour provides structure, butter adds richness, and eggs give lift, while vanilla and sugar bring that irresistible sweetness and aroma.
- All-purpose flour – the backbone of the cake, ensuring a tender crumb and perfect structure.
- Baking powder – a key leavening agent that helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter – softened butter adds moisture and a rich flavor that’s simply heavenly.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake while helping to create a light and airy texture.
- Eggs – act as a binder and leavening agent, giving the cake its lift and structure.
- Vanilla extract – infuses the cake with a fragrant, comforting aroma.
- Milk – keeps the batter moist and tender, balancing all the dry ingredients perfectly.
How to Make Classic White Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 9-inch cake pans. This simple prep ensures your cakes will release effortlessly once baked, preserving their delicate texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only blends these ingredients evenly but also helps prevent lumps, which keeps the cake light and airy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is so important as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake that beautiful rise and soft crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps maintain the batter’s smooth texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract—it’s where the cake begins to smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour blend. Mix until smooth, but take care not to overmix; you want a batter that’s just combined to keep the cake tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The key test here is patience—a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling your cake’s ideal doneness.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Once baked, allow your cakes to cool completely in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully is crucial for a smooth frosting application and prevents any melting or sogginess.
How to Serve Classic White Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Classic white cake is fantastic on its own, but adding simple garnishes can elevate it beautifully. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of homemade glaze make elegant touches that add bursts of color and flavor without overwhelming the delicate cake.
Side Dishes
Pair your classic white cake with a side of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A refreshing fruit salad also complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly, offering a balance of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try layering the cake with different fillings like lemon curd, raspberry jam, or chocolate ganache to give your Classic White Cake Recipe a unique twist. Decorating with edible flowers or fun sprinkles can turn it from simple to showstopper in no time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, your cake stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep the crumb soft and prevents the cake from drying out.
Freezing
The Classic White Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake can last up to two months and thawed cake tastes just as fresh as the day it was baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, gently reheating slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds enhances the softness and brings out the vanilla aroma beautifully—just be careful not to overheat and dry it out.
FAQs
Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well in this Classic White Cake Recipe without compromising flavor or texture.
What frosting pairs best with this cake?
Classic buttercream frosting is a timeless match, but cream cheese frosting or a light whipped cream also complement this cake perfectly, offering lovely contrasts in richness and tang.
How do I make the cake extra moist?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Adding a tiny bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter can also boost moisture while keeping the crumb tender.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Definitely. Just double each ingredient and bake the batter in larger pans or multiple pans. Keep a close eye on baking times as they may vary slightly depending on the pan size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about mastering the Classic White Cake Recipe. It’s a versatile, comforting cake that feels like home in every bite and is sure to bring smiles around your table. Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself reaching for it again and again, eager to share its simple joy with friends and family.
Print
Classic White Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic white cake recipe yields a tender, moist, and fluffy cake perfect for any occasion. With a smooth vanilla flavor and light crumb, it serves as an ideal base for frosting and decorating.
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 and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and no lumps. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition for smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix after each addition until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, but avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Fully: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans for about 10-15 minutes. Then remove them from the pans and let them cool fully on wire racks before frosting or assembling.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to prevent a dense cake.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a richer flavor and tender crumb.
- Cooling the cake completely is important before frosting to prevent melting.
- This white cake pairs well with a variety of frostings such as buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream.
