White is the colour of simplicity, elegance, and everything demure. Gives us a lot to think about how white is used in cakes for every special occasion, like weddings, graduations, or birthdays. It’s because the colour represents purity and achievements. White cakes are never out of trend, and in this blog, we will learn how to make the perfect white layer cake at home in simple steps and basic ingredients.
Remember that the recipe we are proceeding with is not limited to a single design or taste. The plain white cake recipe is like a canvas for creativity, and you can experiment with different types of frosting, like homemade and almost-professional buttercream icing or any other of your choice.
Now let’s proceed to how to make this white layer cake step-by-step.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe requires only the basic ingredients for baking. With its simple ingredients and amazing results, this homemade white cake recipe becomes the perfect party dessert.
Here’s the list of ingredients needed:
Quantity. | Ingredients |
Two and three-quarter cups | cake flour |
One cup | whole milk (room temperature) |
Six | large egg whites (room temperature) |
Two teaspoons | vanilla extract (clear vanilla is best to maintain the cake's white color). |
One and a half cups | granulated sugar |
Two teaspoons | baking powder |
Half a teaspoon | salt |
Three-quarters of a cup | softened, unsalted butter |
Note: Anyone who does not use whole milk can switch to almond milk as a substitute.
Pro tip: if you want your cake to be softer, add buttermilk instead of whole milk for that deep moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Moving on to the process, we will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make this fluffy white cake perfectly.
Read here: how to make a cake step-by-step.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch circular cake pans, line them with parchment paper rounds, and then grease the paper. The cakes come out of the pans more quickly when using parchment paper.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and set it aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the butter swiftly for about a minute with a handheld or stand mixer with an attached whisk until it becomes creamy. After adding the sugar, beat for two minutes at high speed until the mixture feels smooth. Using a silicone spatula, scrape up and along the edges of the bowl as needed.
Incorporate Egg Whites and Vanilla
Pour in the egg whites. Beat on high speed for two minutes or until mixed. Then, beat in the vanilla essence and sour cream.
Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk
At low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. While the mixer is still on low, gradually add the milk and mix until well blended. You might need to whisk everything by hand to ensure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl.
Bake the Cakes
Fill cake pans evenly with batter. Bake the cakes for about 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Place a toothpick in the center of the cake to check its doneness. It's finished if it comes out clean. Let cakes cool fully in the pans placed on a wire cooling rack. The cakes have to cool completely before icing and putting them together.
Make the Buttercream Frosting
Start by beating the butter rapidly for about two minutes in a large bowl until it becomes creamy. Now, add the cream, vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and salt using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment. Then, after a full three minutes of beating, if the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it's too thick, add more cream; and if it's too sweet, add a little more salt.
Trim and Assemble the Cake
Slicing a small layer off with a broad-serrated knife makes a flat surface on top of the cakes. Arrange a single cake layer onto your serving plate. Evenly cover the top with 3/4 to 1 cup of vanilla buttercream frosting. Place the second cake layer on top, upside down, and use 1 cup of buttercream to create a very thin layer of crumb coat on the top and sides.
Finish Frosting and Garnish
Use a bench scraper to help even the icing on the sides of the cake. Put your cake in the fridge for about 20 minutes or until the crumb coat sets. Then, apply the remaining buttercream to the sides and top for a proper finish. If you want an element of fun in your cake, you can also garnish the cake's top with sprinkles.
Frosting Ideas
A white-layer cake is one that you can make with limitless ideas. Many different colourings, flavours, and frostings go well with it. We have a bunch of ideas for frosting a white cake that you can experiment with:
Buttercream frosting; read the recipe here.
Cream cheese frosting; learn how to make a cream cheese pound cake here.
The iconic whipped cream frosting
Can you not decide whether you want a smoother finish (icing) or a textured look (frosting)? The following guide can help you decide: ("Frosting vs. Icing").
Contact Frosting By Feroze
Nothing compares to the delight of baking a white cake, it is ideal for all occasions, be it a formal event or a random craving at night.
The cake's rich flavor will wow guests whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it on a memorable occasion with loved ones. Take your time, enjoy the process, and above all, relish each and every mouthful of your homemade white-layer cake.
Visit Frosting By Feroze to see more recipes, glimpse our creations, and order your delicious cake today.
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