Looking for a light and fluffy dessert that’s easy to make? This simple white cake recipe is perfect for beginners and anyone who loves classic, homemade treats. With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this easy recipe will become a go-to in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious cake in no time.
Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof.
Light and Fluffy: The texture of this white cake is soft, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite frosting or serve it on its own.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual treat, this cake is perfect for any event
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two or three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when touched.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost or Serve: Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting or enjoy as is. This simple white cake pairs wonderfully with buttercream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Tips for Best Results
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend together more easily and results in a smoother batter.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: For the best texture, measure your flour and other ingredients carefully. Too much flour can make the cake dense, while too little can make it too soft. Use a kitchen scale if possible, or fluff the flour with a fork and spoon it into the measuring cup before leveling it off.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Stir gently and avoid vigorous beating.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution, leading to a lighter texture.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when the cake is done.
Cool the Cake Properly: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving. If you frost it while it’s warm, the frosting might melt and slide off.
Customize with Flavors: While this recipe is for a classic white cake, feel free to customize the flavor. Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist or fold in citrus zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Old baking powder can lead to flat cakes, as it loses its leavening power over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Cold Ingredients: One of the biggest mistakes is using cold butter, eggs, or milk. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and won’t mix properly, resulting in a dense, uneven cake. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter after adding the dry ingredients can cause the cake to be tough and dense. Once the flour is incorporated, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Stirring too much activates the gluten in the flour, which affects the cake’s texture.
Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are key to a successful cake. Too much flour can lead to a dry, dense texture, while too little flour can make the cake too moist and sticky. Make sure to measure dry ingredients correctly by spooning flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Using Expired Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential for giving your cake the right rise. If your baking powder is expired, it won’t work as well, and your cake could turn out flat. Always check the expiration date before using it and replace it if necessary.
Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Avoid opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking. This can cause the cake to collapse because of the sudden temperature change. Only check for doneness towards the end of the suggested baking time.
Underbaking or Overbaking: It’s crucial to bake the cake for the right amount of time. Underbaking can leave the center raw, while overbaking can dry out the cake. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Skipping the Cooling Process: Let the cake cool completely before frosting or slicing. If you frost it while still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off. A properly cooled cake holds frosting better and maintains its structure.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Buttercream Frosting: A simple white cake is the perfect base for a classic buttercream frosting. You can either stick with traditional vanilla buttercream or get creative by adding a little lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor. Pipe the frosting elegantly on top and sides, or spread it smoothly for a more rustic look.
Fresh Fruit Topping: For a lighter option, top your white cake with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The sweetness of the fruit complements the light, airy texture of the cake, making it a perfect treat for summer gatherings or brunches.
Whipped Cream and Berries: If you want to keep it simple and elegant, serve slices of the cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries. The whipped cream adds a creamy richness, and the berries bring a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, pour a rich chocolate ganache over the top of your white cake for an indulgent touch. The shiny, smooth ganache adds a decadent element that pairs wonderfully with the delicate flavor of the white cake.
Cake with Ice Cream: Serve slices of the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm cake, creating a satisfying dessert experience.
Layered Cake: If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can slice the cake into layers and fill it with your favorite fillings, such as lemon curd, jam, or whipped cream. This adds variety to each slice and makes for a more visually appealing presentation.
Dusting with Powdered Sugar: For a quick and elegant finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. This simple touch adds a delicate sweetness and a polished look without overwhelming the flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a couple of days, you can store it at room temperature. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the cake for a longer period, refrigerate it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The cake will stay fresh for about 4-5 days in the fridge. Make sure to remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature and restore its soft texture.
- Freezing: To keep the cake for a longer time, freezing is a great option. If the cake is already frosted, it’s best to freeze it in slices rather than as a whole. Wrap the cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: If you have leftover cake and want to enjoy it warm, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the cake dry.
- Oven: For larger pieces or a whole cake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and wrap the cake loosely in foil. Place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, checking to make sure it doesn’t dry out. You can add a small bowl of water in the oven to create some steam and keep the cake moist.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Simple White Cake for days to come!
Variations and Substitutions
Variations:
- Lemon White Cake: Add a zesty twist to your white cake by incorporating lemon juice and lemon zest into the batter. This will give the cake a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with a light glaze or buttercream frosting.
- Almond White Cake: If you enjoy the flavor of almond, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter in place of the vanilla extract. This will give your cake a subtly nutty flavor that complements the light texture.
- Coconut White Cake: For a tropical variation, fold in some shredded coconut into the batter. You can also top the cake with toasted coconut flakes to add texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip White Cake: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun variation. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, adding pockets of gooey chocolate in each bite.
- Berry White Cake: Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries into the batter. This will create a burst of fruity flavor throughout the cake and give it a beautiful pop of color.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: To make the cake dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk. Ensure that your frosting is also made with dairy-free ingredients, such as using coconut milk instead of cream.
- Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging to ensure it’s a one-to-one substitution for regular flour.
- Sugar Substitutes: For a lower-sugar version, you can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar or stevia. However, be aware that these substitutes may slightly alter the texture of the cake.
These variations and substitutions give you the flexibility to adapt the Simple White Cake to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, all while keeping the recipe delicious and easy to make!
Related Recipe
Favorite Pound Cake Recipe — Useful when comparing white cake to other classic cakes.
Butterscotch Pie — A complementary dessert to mention in a ‘What to Serve with White Cake’ section.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies — Good link in a ‘More Desserts to Try’ section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a cake with just egg white?
Yes, you can make a cake with just egg whites. This will result in a lighter and fluffier texture, as egg whites provide structure and volume without the richness of egg yolks. Many recipes, such as angel food cake, use only egg whites to create a delicate, airy cake. However, if you’re using only egg whites in a traditional cake recipe, you may need to adjust the fat content to maintain moisture, usually by increasing the butter or adding an extra ingredient like sour cream or yogurt.
What makes a white cake?
A white cake is typically made with egg whites instead of whole eggs, which helps to keep the cake light in color and texture. The cake is also usually made with all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder. The absence of yolks ensures that the cake remains light in color, giving it the “white” appearance. The key to a successful white cake is to keep the batter smooth and avoid overmixing, which can cause a dense cake.
What is the easiest cake to make?
The easiest cake to make is often a simple one-bowl cake or a sheet cake. These cakes require minimal ingredients, mixing, and equipment. A basic vanilla or white cake, like the one in this recipe, is very easy to make because it uses common pantry staples, doesn’t require any complicated techniques, and can be made quickly. Other simple cakes include mug cakes, no-bake cakes, and dump cakes, which require even less preparation and are perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick dessert.