New Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe

The Ultimate White Layer Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Crafting the perfect white layer cake can transform an ordinary afternoon into a delightful celebration of sweetness.

Soft, pillowy layers promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Bakers everywhere understand the magic of a truly remarkable dessert that brings smiles to faces.

Each carefully measured ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Light and airy textures blend seamlessly, creating a canvas of pure deliciousness.

Delicate crumbs melt in your mouth, whispering promises of comfort and joy.

You won’t be able to resist cutting that first delectable slice and savoring every single moment of bliss.

New Favorite White Layer Cake: Storing After Slicing

  • Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Wrap the completely cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
  • Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen slices for up to 1 month for quick dessert access.

FAQs

  • Why are egg whites used instead of whole eggs in this cake recipe?

Egg whites help create a lighter, fluffier texture and give the cake a pure white color without the yellow tint from egg yolks.

  • Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will make the cake even more tender and delicate, with a softer crumb. Just use the same amount as specified in the recipe.

  • How do I know if I've creamed the butter and sugar correctly?

The mixture should become pale, fluffy, and increase in volume, looking almost like whipped cream. This process incorporates air and helps create a soft cake texture.

  • What's the purpose of alternating flour and milk when mixing?

This technique prevents overmixing and helps distribute ingredients evenly, ensuring a smooth batter and preventing tough, dense cake layers.

New Favorite White Layer Cake Stands Tall

  • Crush Candy Comfort: Transform ordinary cheesecake into a nostalgic treat with chunks of Butterfinger scattered throughout, creating surprising bursts of sweet crunch in every single bite.
  • Simplify Baking Adventure: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned dessert enthusiasts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or celebrations where you want to impress guests with a decadent yet familiar flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows optional toppings like extra whipped cream or additional candy pieces, letting you personalize the dessert to match your taste preferences.

What Goes Into New Favorite White Layer Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the delicate white cake.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cake rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cake batter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender cake crumb.
  • Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's light and airy texture while keeping the cake white.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake's delicate profile.
  • Milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
For the Preparation:
  • Cake Pans, Cooking Spray or Butter, Flour: Used for greasing and preparing the baking pans to prevent the cake from sticking.

Creating New Favorite White Layer Cake at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by generously greasing and dusting them with flour to ensure a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients until perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and airy.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Whites

Gently add egg whites one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps create a smooth, silky texture for your cake batter.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boost

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Carefully blend the flour mixture and milk into the batter, starting and ending with the flour.

This technique helps create a tender, delicate cake texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure even baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Once cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure deliciousness!

Baking Hints for New Favorite White Layer Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even cake texture.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough, dense cake.
  • Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking and drying out.
  • Line cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect cake shape.

Tasty Variations for New Favorite White Layer Cake

  • Lemon Zest Cake: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
  • Almond Dream Cake: Mix in ground almonds with flour and use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, rich undertone.
  • Coconut Bliss Cake: Substitute half the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut between layers during frosting.
  • Chocolate Marble Cake: Swirl melted dark chocolate into half the batter before baking, creating beautiful marbled layers with rich chocolate notes.

New Favorite White Layer Cake for Celebrations

  • Stack the layers with rich buttercream frosting. Decorate with colorful sprinkles or elegant piped rosettes. Perfect for birthday parties or special occasions that need a delightful dessert centerpiece.
  • Slice the cake into delicate thin wedges. Serve on beautiful china plates with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Accompany with lavender tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
  • Create individual mini cakes by cutting smaller rounds. Drizzle with chocolate ganache or raspberry sauce. Plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves for a romantic touch.
Print
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New Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe

New Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful white layer cake promises pure culinary bliss with delicate crumb and silky frosting. Carefully crafted layers invite celebration and sweet indulgence you’ll treasure from first delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 2 1/2 cups (300 g) cake flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp (12 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
  4. Incorporate egg whites gradually, mixing each one completely before adding the next to maintain a smooth, consistent texture.
  5. Blend in vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and concluding with flour to maintain optimal cake consistency.
  7. Carefully distribute the batter equally between prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the surface and eliminate air pockets.
  8. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick which should emerge clean when cake is fully cooked.
  9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Apply preferred frosting technique to complete the cake preparation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking texture.
  • Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a lighter, more delicate cake crumb.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 267
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 133 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 6 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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