If you’ve ever craved the perfect, fluffy cake that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat, then you’re going to love this White Cake From Scratch Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that combines simple ingredients to create a tender, moist, and beautifully light cake. Whether it’s for a special celebration or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe delivers that pure, buttery sweetness and soft crumb you’ll want to savor bite after bite. Baking this cake from scratch means you control every part of it, resulting in a homemade marvel that outshines any boxed mix. Let me take you through making this beloved White Cake From Scratch Recipe that will quickly become your go-to for every joyous occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this White Cake From Scratch Recipe is straightforward yet essential, playing a crucial role in its delightful texture and flavor. Each component brings something special, whether it’s fluffiness, richness, sweetness, or that classic vanilla scent.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, providing a tender crumb when measured accurately.
- Baking powder: The magical leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a luscious mouthfeel, so make sure it’s soft but not melted.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while also helping with the tender texture when creamed with butter.
- Large egg whites: Provide structure without adding heaviness, helping to keep the cake airy and delicate.
- Pure vanilla extract: Offers that classic warm, fragrant flavor that makes this cake truly irresistible.
- Whole milk, at room temperature: Adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly for a soft crumb.
How to Make White Cake From Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your pans well and lightly flouring them or lining with parchment paper helps ensure your cakes come out clean and intact. Two 8-inch round pans are ideal for this recipe, allowing for an even bake and easy layering later on.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix is your base dry blend that will provide structure and leavening to the cake. Sifting or whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed so your cake rises uniformly without dense pockets.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the batter, making the final cake lighter and more tender.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla
Beat in the egg whites one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Egg whites lighten the batter without the richness that yolks bring, perfect for a white cake. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse that familiar, comforting aroma.
Step 5: Alternately Add Dry Ingredients and Milk
With your mixer on low, alternately mix in the dry ingredients and the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique helps keep the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can toughen the cake. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Step 6: Divide Batter and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops for an even surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This balance of time and temperature bakes the cake through without drying it out.
Step 7: Cool Properly Before Frosting
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is crucial, as frosting or decorating warm cakes can cause the icing to slide or melt.
How to Serve White Cake From Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light smear of fresh whipped cream can elevate this cake beautifully. For special occasions, consider fresh berries or edible flowers for a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your white cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of homemade raspberry coulis for a delightful complement. Light fruit salads or a citrus curd also bring a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic recipe into a stunning layered cake with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You can also create mini versions for tea parties or transform it into a trifle by layering with custard and fruit. The versatility of this White Cake From Scratch Recipe means you can customize it to fit your occasion perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, perfect if you want a quick sweet bite later.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap layers separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or decorating.
Reheating
For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the cake and brings out its buttery flavor, making each bite feel newly baked.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
While whole eggs add richness, this White Cake From Scratch Recipe calls for egg whites to keep the cake light and white in color. Using yolks may change the texture and make it denser or add a yellow tint.
Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?
Yes! Room temperature butter, eggs, and milk blend more easily and evenly, which is essential for achieving the cake’s tender texture and proper rise.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Some substitutions are possible, like using buttermilk instead of whole milk for a tangier flavor, but this may affect texture. It’s best to stick closely to the original ingredients for the authentic White Cake From Scratch Recipe experience.
Why is my cake dense or heavy?
Overmixing the batter or using ingredients that are too cold can lead to a dense cake. Follow the steps carefully and ensure you mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
How long will the cake last after baking?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh for about 2 days. Refrigerating can dry it out, so if you need longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
This White Cake From Scratch Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy, combining classic flavors with a tender crumb that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply treating yourself, baking this cake from scratch is an act of love that will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to cake recipe!
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White Cake From Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic White Cake from Scratch is a light and fluffy treat perfect for any occasion. Made from simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla, this cake delivers a moist texture and delicate flavor. It’s an ideal base for your favorite frostings and decorations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or alternatively, line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Egg Whites and Vanilla: Gradually add the egg whites one at a time to the creamed mixture while continuing to beat. Then add the pure vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Divide Batter and Smooth: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting and serving.
Notes
- Ensure that the egg whites and milk are at room temperature to help the batter combine more evenly and rise properly.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a light and tender crumb.
- Cooling the cakes completely before frosting is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake pairs well with a variety of frostings such as buttercream, cream cheese, or fruit preserves.
- For extra moisture, brush the baked cake layers with a simple syrup before frosting.
