Few desserts evoke nostalgia quite like a Classic White Cake Recipe. With its tender, fluffy layers and delicate vanilla aroma, this cake has graced celebrations for generations. Imagine cutting into a pristine, snowy-white cake, each slice yielding a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, or simple afternoon indulgence, this Traditional White Cake never disappoints. Today, we’ll guide you step by step to craft the ultimate Old-Fashioned White Cake that rivals any bakery creation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why You’ll Love This Classic White Cake Recipe
Perfectly Fluffy Texture – Achieve soft, airy layers with the right balance of flour, butter, and eggs.
Delicate Vanilla Flavor – Infused with real vanilla, offering a subtle, comforting aroma.
Versatile – Ideal for layered cakes, cupcakes, or even sheet cakes.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples without compromising taste.
Customizable Frosting Pairings – Pairs beautifully with buttercream, cream cheese, or fruit fillings.
Quick Prep Time – From mixing to baking in under an hour for muffin-sized portions.
Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike; perfect for gatherings.
Reliable Every Time – This Simple White Cake Recipe delivers consistent results, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a Classic White Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose: flavor, texture, or structure.
Dry Ingredients
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups) – Ensures structure and a soft crumb. For extra lightness, sift before measuring.
Granulated sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens and tenderizes; can substitute with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
Baking powder (2 ½ tsp) – Essential for lift and fluffiness. Avoid expired powder to prevent flat cakes.
Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
Butter, softened (1 cup / 2 sticks) – Adds richness; room temperature butter creams better with sugar.
Large eggs (4) – Bind ingredients and add moisture; room temperature is key.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Infuses classic vanilla aroma; pure extract is recommended.
Milk (1 cup) – Keeps the cake moist and light. Whole milk provides creaminess, while plant-based milk works for dairy-free versions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting can be optional but helps aerate the flour, contributing to a lighter crumb.
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). This step incorporates air, critical for the soft texture of a Fluffy White Cake.
Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Avoid overmixing, which can deflate the batter.
Combine Wet & Dry
Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry. Stir until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense.
Pour & Bake
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Frost & Assemble
Once cooled, frost with your favorite buttercream or whipped cream. For a White Layer Cake, stack layers carefully and apply a crumb coat for a professional finish.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Classic White Cake Recipe
How Do You Make Peach Sorbet at Home?
While this is a cake article, understanding flavor layering can enhance your cakes. For a fruit-infused cake, serve slices alongside easy homemade peach sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
Egg Temperature Matters
Room-temperature eggs trap air better, contributing to a Soft White Cake Recipe. Cold eggs can make batter dense.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing activates gluten in flour, yielding a tough cake. Stir until just combined, especially after adding milk.
Use Quality Ingredients
Fresh butter, pure vanilla, and high-quality flour make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Oven Accuracy
Use an oven thermometer; a few degrees too hot or cold can affect rise and moisture.
Best Ways to Serve
Layered with Buttercream – Classic for birthdays and celebrations.
Cupcake Version – Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings.
With Fresh Fruit – Strawberries, peaches, or berries complement the vanilla layers.
Holiday Dessert Table – Pairs beautifully with pies and sorbets for a complete spread.
Internal Crosslink: Check out our Japanese Mini Cotton Cheesecake Recipe for a fluffy twist.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Slice)
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: Covered, up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Wrapped tightly, 5–7 days.
Freezer: Wrap in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tip: Warm slices for 10–15 seconds in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and butter with a vegan alternative. The texture remains soft, though slightly less rich.
How Long Will a Classic White Cake Recipe Last?
Properly stored, it lasts up to a week in the fridge or three months frozen.
Can I Bake This as Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake 18–22 minutes at 350°F.
Why Is My White Cake Dense?
Common causes: overmixing, cold eggs, expired baking powder, or inaccurate oven temperature.
How Do I Prevent Cracks?
Ensure even mixing, avoid high oven temperatures, and use parchment paper for smooth edges.
Variations
Gluten-Free – Use almond or coconut flour with xanthan gum.
Vegan White Cake – Swap eggs for flax eggs and butter for coconut oil.
Moist Fruit Version – Fold in ½ cup chopped peaches or cherries for seasonal flair.
Classic Vanilla Twist – Add almond extract for subtle complexity.
Regional Flavors – Incorporate citrus zest, cardamom, or rum-soaked layers.