Name: White Cake From Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 5 large egg whites (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (room temperature); 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your fork into a soft, fluffy vanilla cloud, you have to try White Cake From Scratch. This beautiful cake is a classic in the truest sense: moist crumb, brilliant white color, and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a go-to for celebrations, makes a perfect canvas for any frosting, and truly shines when you want a homemade treat that feels both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re serving it for birthdays, weddings, or a simple weekend dessert, there’s something magical about making a white cake from scratch that just can’t be beat!

White Cake From Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking White Cake From Scratch only takes a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role. Their combination brings out the cake’s signature flavor and tenderness, so every bite is a sweet masterpiece.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, giving structure and that classic, tender crumb.
Baking powder: Adds lift for an extra-soft texture—don’t skip this magic dust!
Salt: Just a pinch truly enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (softened): For richness and that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and creates that iconic white color.
Egg whites (room temperature): The secret to a light crumb and a cake that’s pure white.
Vanilla extract: For classic aroma; use clear vanilla if you want an extra-bright cake.
Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps everything moist and helps blend the flavors evenly.
Sour cream (room temperature): Adds subtle tang and guarantees a super-tender cake every time.

How to Make White Cake From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven gets ready, grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your gorgeous White Cake From Scratch releases perfectly every time—no sticking, just smooth and easy layers ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This blends everything evenly, so your cake rises consistently and tastes perfectly balanced all the way through. Taking a moment here makes a big difference in the final texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes). This step is what gives your White Cake From Scratch its airy crumb—it’s worth every extra second of mixing!

Step 4: Add the Egg Whites and Vanilla

Drop in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps build a stable structure for the cake while keeping the flavor delicate. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature aroma—your kitchen is going to smell heavenly.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the whole milk and sour cream until smooth. This combo creates a silky batter that bakes up extra moist and tender.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

With your mixer on low, alternate between adding the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the creamed butter, beginning and ending with the flour. Make three additions total, and mix just until the batter is smooth—overmixing can take away from the cake’s dreamy fluffiness.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops so they bake up flat and pretty. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness—it should come out clean when inserted into the center. That’s the sign your White Cake From Scratch is ready to shine!

Step 8: Cool and Release

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This little rest helps them firm up, making it easier to remove without sticking. Carefully flip the layers onto a wire rack, peel away any parchment, and let them cool completely before you even think about frosting.

How to Serve White Cake From Scratch

Garnishes

Dress up your White Cake From Scratch with a cloud of vanilla buttercream, a few fresh berries, or even edible flowers for an elegant look. You can sprinkle on some toasted coconut, confetti sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a bit of color and pizzazz.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve with a berry compote or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist that makes every bite memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making a naked cake by lightly frosting the layers and leaving the sides exposed for a rustic, modern vibe. For celebrations, stack two or three layers and finish with colorful sprinkles, a ribbon, or even a sparkler on top. Cupcake versions are also a hit for parties or picnics—just pour the batter into lined muffin tins, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes instead.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover White Cake From Scratch tightly in plastic wrap, or place slices in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about a week—perfect for midnight snacking!

Freezing

Planning ahead for a celebration? Completely cooled, unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped well and frozen for up to two months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to decorate or serve. This is a lifesaver for party prep!

Reheating

If your refrigerated cake feels a little firm, let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. You can also microwave slices for 5 to 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness and revive the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll get around 24 perfectly tender White Cake From Scratch cupcakes—ideal for parties or sharing.

How do I keep the cake extra white in color?

For a brilliant white cake, use clear vanilla extract and make sure your butter is pale in color. Also, avoid over-baking to prevent golden edges—keep an eye on the oven!

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Yes, almond extract gives a lovely, classic wedding cake flavor. Try substituting half of the vanilla with almond extract or use a mix to suit your taste preferences. Start with less and add to taste, since almond can be potent.

Why use only egg whites and not whole eggs?

Egg whites keep the cake ultra-light and give it that signature bright white hue. Whole eggs add a yellow tint and can make the cake a bit denser, so stick to egg whites for the best result.

What’s the best frosting for White Cake From Scratch?

This cake is a dream with vanilla, almond, or lemon buttercream. Want something different? Try classic cream cheese frosting or a fluffy whipped cream topping for a lighter finish.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you bake White Cake From Scratch, you’ll want to make up celebrations just for an excuse to slice in! With its irresistible texture and gorgeous presentation, it’s a true crowd-pleaser—delicious, classic, and unfailingly impressive. So gather those simple ingredients and bake your way to sweet success; you’re just one homemade cake away from making someone’s day extra special!

White Cake From Scratch Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic white cake from scratch recipe yields a moist and tender crumb with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 large egg whites (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate egg whites one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix milk and sour cream.
Combine Mixtures: Alternate adding flour and milk mixtures to the batter.
Bake: Divide batter, bake for 28–32 minutes, then cool before frosting.