New Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe

Looking for the perfect white layer cake for your next celebration or event? This New Favorite White Layer Cake is a fluffy, moist, and tender cake that’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion. The recipe is simple yet yields professional-level results. It features layers of light, vanilla-flavored cake paired with your choice of frosting — from classic buttercream to a silky cream cheese frosting. Stick around to learn how to create this show-stopping cake, along with helpful tips, substitutions, and ways to avoid common mistakes. Let’s dive in and bake up your new favorite dessert!

this Recipes

What is a White Layer Cake?

A white layer cake is a classic cake known for its pure, light-colored crumb and soft, delicate flavor. Traditionally made with egg whites instead of whole eggs, this cake gets its signature white color and airy texture. It’s typically flavored with vanilla and layered with frosting to create a towering, elegant dessert. This type of cake is often used for weddings, but it’s equally popular for birthday parties, anniversaries, or anytime you want to impress with a beautiful homemade cake.

The beauty of a white layer cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can pair it with various fillings and frostings, from rich buttercream to fresh fruit, depending on your taste and occasion.

Ingredients List for White Layer Cake

For the Cake Layers:

1. 2 ½ cups cake flour – Provides a light, delicate crumb.
2. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps with texture.
3. 1 tablespoon baking powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
4. ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
5. 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds moisture and richness.
6. 4 large egg whites (room temperature) – Keeps the cake white and fluffy.
7. 1 cup whole milk (room temperature) – Adds moisture and helps with the cake’s structure.
8. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – For classic vanilla flavor.
9. ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds a subtle, fragrant twist.

For the Frosting:

1. 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature) – Forms the base of a creamy, rich frosting.
2. 4-5 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
3. ¼ cup heavy cream – Ensures a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the frosting.
5. Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins and Variations

• Fresh berries – Incorporate into the frosting or between the cake layers for a burst of freshness.
• Fruit preserves or jam – Spread between the layers for added flavor.
• Coconut flakes – Sprinkle on top of the frosting for a tropical twist.
• Lemon zest – Add to the batter or frosting for a bright citrus flavor.
• Food coloring – If you'd like to add a pop of color, especially for themed events or birthdays.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to adapt this white layer cake recipe to suit dietary preferences or flavor preferences. Here are some suggestions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative, and replace the whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
• Almond Flavoring: For a richer flavor, increase the almond extract to ½ teaspoon. Almond pairs beautifully with vanilla in this cake.
• Egg Substitute: If you prefer an eggless cake, replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a commercial egg replacer.
• Buttercream Variations: Instead of vanilla buttercream, consider using chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or Swiss meringue buttercream for a different taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures the cake will have a smooth, even texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Cream the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a light, fluffy cake.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites

Add the egg whites to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the egg whites are fully incorporated to create a smooth batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed to avoid overbeating, which can make the cake dense. Add the vanilla and almond extract (if using) during this step.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook a White Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Step 1: Preparing the Pans: Start by properly greasing and lining your cake pans. This ensures that the cake layers will release easily after baking.
• Step 2: Mixing the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Step 3: Baking the Cake: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking, and avoid opening the oven door too soon to prevent the cake from sinking.
• Step 4: Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Beating the batter too much after adding the flour can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until combined.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold butter or milk can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake.
• Not Allowing the Cake to Cool: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Always let the layers cool completely before decorating.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve White Layer Cake

White layer cake is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own or dressed up with various accompaniments. Serve it as a dessert centerpiece at weddings, birthdays, or family gatherings. You can pair it with a side of fresh berries, a scoop of ice cream, or even a drizzle of fruit coulis for an extra touch of indulgence.

Presentation Ideas for White Layer Cake

For a stunning presentation, here are some decorating ideas:

• Classic Buttercream Ruffles: Use a piping bag to create elegant ruffles or swirls of frosting around the edges of the cake.
• Fresh Flowers: Decorate the top of the cake with edible flowers for a romantic, garden-inspired look.
• Ombre Frosting: Gradually tint your frosting with food coloring to create an ombre effect, transitioning from white to a deeper color.
• Naked Cake: Leave the sides of the cake lightly frosted for a “naked” look, allowing the cake layers to peek through for a rustic appearance.

White Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for the cake and frosting. This helps the ingredients mix evenly and results in a smoother batter.
• Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining the cake pans with parchment paper ensures the cakes release cleanly, which is important when stacking layers.
• Chill Before Frosting: After baking, you can chill the cake layers for about 30 minutes. This makes them easier to frost without crumbs getting into the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting.

Q: What’s the difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour?
A: Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which results in a lighter, more tender crumb. For this cake, it’s best to use cake flour for the optimal texture.

Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! You can use this recipe to make cupcakes by filling cupcake liners two-thirds full and baking for about 18-22 minutes.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This New Favorite White Layer Cake is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you're making it for a special celebration or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake's fluffy texture, rich flavor, and elegant appearance are hard to beat. With the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you’ll be able to achieve bakery-quality results every time. Give it a try, and let this cake become your new go-to recipe!

Print