Easy White Layer Cake Recipe: Fluffy Perfection Every Time

Baking the perfect white layer cake strikes a delightful balance between simplicity and elegance.

This irresistible white layer cake recipe promises a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Soft, delicate layers beckon with pure vanilla-infused comfort.

Each slice reveals a cloud-like texture that makes dessert lovers swoon.

Delicate and classic, this cake becomes the centerpiece of any celebration.

Creamy frosting and delectable layers combine to create a truly memorable sweet experience.

You’ll fall in love with every single heavenly bite.

A Layer Cake That’s Sure to Become a Favorite

• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this white layer cake perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile recipe works wonderfully for birthdays, celebrations, family gatherings, or just a sweet weekend treat that everyone will adore.
• Customizable Canvas: Basic white cake serves as a fantastic base for countless frosting flavors, decorations, and creative additions like fruit fillings or special toppings.
• Quick Preparation: Minimal mixing steps and common pantry ingredients mean you can whip up this delightful cake without complex techniques or hard-to-find components.

Must-Have Ingredients for White Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the white layer cake.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender texture in the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden-brown exterior.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.

• Milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a soft, delicate cake texture.

Layer Cake Instructions from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F and let it start heating while you prepare the cake.

This ensures the perfect environment for baking a delightful white layer cake.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

Grab three 9-inch round cake pans and give them a generous coating of butter or cooking spray.

Dust the pans with flour, tapping out any excess to create a non-stick surface that will help your cake release easily.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re evenly combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Cream Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl.

Whip them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.

Mix gently until the batter becomes silky and well-incorporated.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Bake The Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally among the three prepared pans.

Spread the batter evenly and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool The Cake Layers

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

This helps them set and makes removal easier.

Then carefully transfer the layers to wire cooling racks.

Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Frost And Decorate

Once the cake layers are cool, frost with your favorite buttercream, cream cheese, or vanilla frosting.

Stack the layers, adding frosting between each one, and cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting.

Tricks for Tall, Tender Layer Cakes

• Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
• Use parchment paper circles at the bottom of cake pans for easy cake removal and perfect shape.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb and prevent tough cake.
• Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage before frosting.

Ways to Switch Up Your White Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free White Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, adjusting quantities to maintain cake's sweetness and structure.
• Chocolate Marble Variation: Swirl cocoa powder into half the batter before baking to create a marbled effect with chocolate and vanilla layers.

White Layer Cake Serving Ideas

Dreamy Dessert Centerpiece: Place this elegant white layer cake on a beautiful cake stand for a stunning table presentation that will wow your guests.

Celebratory Companion: Pair with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the cake’s delicate flavor and add a refreshing touch.

Beverage Bliss: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk to enhance the cake’s sweetness and create a perfect dessert moment.

Elegant Party Finish: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or special gatherings – slice into thin, delicate pieces to ensure everyone gets a taste of this delightful treat.

Storage Tips for Fresh Layer Cake Slices

• Wrap cake layers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place each cake layer between sheets of parchment paper. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
• If unfrosted, store cake layers at room temperature in a cake carrier or covered container for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a fresher taste, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk and wooden spoon. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and butter is creamed thoroughly.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pans generously with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour. You can also use parchment paper rounds at the bottom of each pan for extra insurance.

• What if I don't have three cake pans?

You can bake the cake in batches or use two pans and adjust baking time. Just divide batter equally and ensure each layer bakes evenly.

New Favorite White Layer Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful white layer cake brings pure elegance to dessert tables with classic American charm. Silky smooth frosting and delicate crumb promise a memorable sweet experience you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 large egg whites
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract

Sweet Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar

Frosting Ingredients:

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 350°F, ensuring an ideal baking environment for the delicate cake layers.
2. Meticulously coat three 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour, preventing potential sticking.
3. Combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – in a pristine mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
4. Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl, whipping until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, blending after each addition, then introduce the aromatic vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, gently folding and mixing until a silky, uniform batter forms.
6. Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared pans, creating balanced layers for consistent baking.
7. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden surface and when a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
8. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, helping them set and cool slightly.
9. Carefully transfer the layers to wire cooling racks, letting them reach room temperature completely before frosting.
10. Adorn the cake with your preferred frosting, transforming the layers into a delectable dessert.

Notes

• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter with better texture.
• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for an extra tender, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake by stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s light and fluffy consistency.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg