Indulge your senses with a delightful classic white layer cake. This recipe boasts a moist, fluffy vanilla cake layered with a creamy and decadently sweet vanilla frosting. The perfect dessert for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth!
The ingredients used in this recipe are pretty standard and can be easily found in any supermarket. However, do ensure to buy cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour is much finer, lighter, and softer, which gives the cake its tender crumb. It's a crucial ingredient that gives a unique texture to the cake. Also, remember to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Classic White Layer Cake Ingredients
Cake flour: This type of flour is less dense than regular all-purpose flour, resulting in a softer and lighter cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: They act as leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Salt: It enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
Egg whites: They contribute to the cake's structure and adds moisture without weighing it down.
Sour cream: It adds moisture and enhances the cake's texture.
Vanilla extract: Gives the cake a classic vanilla flavor.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the flavors.
Confectioner's sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it's used in the frosting to add sweetness and a smooth texture.
Heavy cream: It's used in the frosting to add creaminess and a velvety texture.
One reader, Charisse Willson says:
This classic white layer cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake turned out moist and fluffy, and the vanilla frosting was a dream. It was a hit at my family gathering, and everyone raved about it. I'll definitely be making this again for special occasions. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making a White Layer Cake
How to prepare the cake pans: Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.
How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check if it comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully baked.
How to decorate the cake with sprinkles: Sprinkle the top of the frosted cake with colorful sprinkles to add a decorative touch.
How To Make White Layer Cake
Incredibly delectable and moist, this white layer cake is a decadent, vanilla frosted treat that pleases everyone! Bake a batch in less than an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2½cupscake flour,sifted, spoon and leveled
- 2tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- 1tspsalt
- ¾cupunsalted butter,(1½ sticks), softened to room temperature
- 1¾cupsgranulated sugar
- 5large egg whites,room temperature
- ½cupsour cream,room temperature
- 1tbsppure vanilla extract
- 1cupwhole milk,room temperature
For Vanilla Frosting:
- 1¼cupsunsalted butter,(2½ sticks), softened to room temperature
- 5cupsconfectioner’s sugar
- ⅓cupheavy cream
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ⅛tspsalt
- sprinkles,to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch cake pans.
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Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
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Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter at high speed for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamed together. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
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Add the egg whites. Beat at high speed for about 2 minutes until combined. Then beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
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With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients until just incorporated. With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the milk until combined. Do not overmix.
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Pour the batter evenly into cake pans.
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Bake for around 24 to 25 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done.
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Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack.
Vanilla Frosting:
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In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy.
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Add the confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes.
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Add more confectioners’ sugar if the frosting is too thin, or more cream if the frosting is too thick, or a pinch more of salt if the frosting is way too sweet.
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Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard.
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Place 1 cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with the 2nd layer and spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides.
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Decorate the top of the cake with sprinkles. Then, slice, serve, enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Cover the leftover cake tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing instructions: The cake layers can be baked, cooled, and covered tightly at room temperature overnight. Likewise, the frosting can be prepared then covered and refrigerated overnight. Assemble and frost the cake the next day when ready to serve. The frosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 757.59kcal
- Fat: 35.95g
- Saturated Fat: 22.48g
- Trans Fat: 1.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.47g
- Carbohydrates: 105.68g
- Fiber: 0.49g
- Sugar: 82.32g
- Protein: 5.14g
- Cholesterol: 97.42mg
- Sodium: 375.76mg
- Calcium: 109.46mg
- Potassium: 111.13mg
- Iron: 2.27mg
- Vitamin A: 312.17µg
- Vitamin C: 0.13mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving Perfect Cake Layers
When preparing your classic white layer cake, it's crucial to not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients and milk. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. This will ensure your cake has the perfect texture. Also, when applying the vanilla frosting, try using an offset spatula for a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
Time-Saving Tips for Baking a Classic White Layer Cake
Prep ahead: Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day you plan to assemble the cake.
Room temperature ingredients: Allow the butter, eggs, and dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help the ingredients blend more easily and reduce mixing time.
Organized workspace: Before you start baking, make sure your workspace is organized and all the necessary tools and ingredients are easily accessible. This will streamline the baking process and save time.
Bake simultaneously: If your oven space allows, bake both cake layers at the same time to cut down on overall baking time.
Chilled cake: After assembling the cake, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve, especially if the frosting is soft.
Efficient frosting: Use an offset spatula or bench scraper for efficient and quick frosting of the cake. Smooth the frosting in broad strokes for a clean finish.
Substitute Ingredients For White Layer Cake Recipe
cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour by removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for every 1 cup of cake flour to achieve a similar texture in the cake.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in baking, providing a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the cake batter.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk in baking, providing a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the cake batter.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in baking, providing a rich flavor and moisture to the cake batter.
confectioner's sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for confectioner's sugar by blending it to a fine powder to achieve a similar texture in the frosting.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in frosting, providing a rich and creamy texture to the frosting.
sprinkles - Substitute with chopped nuts: Chopped nuts can be used as a substitute for sprinkles, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake decoration.
Best Way to Present a Classic White Layer Cake
- Elevate the cake layers: Carefully stack and align the cake layers to ensure a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
- Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the cake with delicate, edible flowers such as pansies or violets.
- Create a smooth frosting finish: Achieve a flawless, professional look by ensuring the frosting is evenly spread and smooth on the cake's surface.
- Incorporate gold leaf accents: Introduce a luxurious touch by delicately placing edible gold leaf accents on the cake for a sophisticated presentation.
- Utilize a cake stand: Present the cake on a beautiful, elevated cake stand to showcase its layers and create a stunning visual impact.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar using a fine sieve to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
- Add a drizzle of fruit coulis: Enhance the cake's visual appeal and flavor profile by drizzling a vibrant fruit coulis on the plate before placing the cake slice.
- Incorporate chocolate shards: Introduce texture and visual interest by incorporating delicate chocolate shards as a decorative element on the cake.
- Use a piping bag for precision: Employ a piping bag to create intricate designs or patterns with the frosting, adding a professional and artistic touch to the presentation.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries: Accompany the cake with a side of fresh, vibrant berries to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Baking a Layer Cake
- Handheld or stand mixer: A handheld or stand mixer is used to beat the butter, sugar, and other ingredients together to create a smooth and creamy cake batter.
- Whisk attachment: The whisk attachment is used with the handheld or stand mixer to beat the butter and other ingredients together.
- Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is used to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- 9-inch cake pans: 9-inch cake pans are used to bake the cake layers in the oven.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the baked cakes after they are removed from the oven.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used to mix and beat the ingredients for the vanilla frosting.
- Hand-held mixer or stand mixer: A hand-held or stand mixer is used to beat the butter and other ingredients together to create a creamy frosting.
- Whisk or paddle attachment: The whisk or paddle attachment is used with the hand-held or stand mixer to beat the butter and other ingredients together for the frosting.
- Serrated knife: A serrated knife is used to slice off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface before frosting.
- Cake stand or serving plate: A cake stand or serving plate is used to assemble and display the finished cake.
Storing and Freezing Your White Layer Cake
- Cover the cake and store at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Make sure the cake is at room temperature, then cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- If storing in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature before serving
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
- Individual slices of the cake can also be frozen:
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour)
- Remove from the baking sheet and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving
- The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months:
- Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using
- If the frosting is too thick after thawing, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out
Interesting Fact About White Layer Cakes
The classic white layer cake recipe is a popular choice for celebrations such as birthdays and weddings. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized with different flavors and fillings, making it a staple in many bakers' repertoires. The use of sour cream in the cake batter adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the flavor, while the vanilla frosting provides a sweet and creamy finish. This cake is a timeless favorite that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great option for those who prefer a traditional and elegant dessert.
Is Making a White Layer Cake Economical for Home Baking?
The cost-effectiveness of this classic white layer cake recipe is relatively high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, and the recipe yields a large cake, making it suitable for a family of four. The cost for the ingredients is reasonable, and the cake can serve as a dessert for multiple occasions. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a homemade dessert. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This classic white layer cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar and fat content. The cake itself contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and whole milk, which are all high in calories and saturated fat. The frosting is also made with a large quantity of butter and confectioner's sugar, further increasing the overall sugar and fat content of the dessert.
However, there are a few redeeming qualities:
- The recipe uses egg whites instead of whole eggs, which reduces the cholesterol content
- The inclusion of sour cream adds a small amount of protein and calcium
- The cake flour used is lower in protein compared to all-purpose flour, resulting in a more tender crumb
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and frosting by 25-50%
- Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to lower the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture
- Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to further reduce the sugar content
- Incorporate whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the cake
- Top the cake with fresh fruit instead of sprinkles to add natural sweetness and fiber
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly fine to enjoy a slice of this classic white layer cake on special occasions.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Cake Recipe
The classic white layer cake recipe is a timeless delight, offering a light and fluffy texture with a rich vanilla flavor. The use of cake flour and sour cream ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the vanilla frosting adds a luscious sweetness. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The addition of sprinkles provides a fun and festive touch, perfect for any celebration. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for those seeking a traditional and delicious dessert option.
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Why trust this White Layer Cake Recipe:
This classic white layer cake recipe is a tried and true favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for creating delightful desserts. The precise measurements and detailed instructions ensure a flawless result every time. The use of sour cream and whole milk guarantees a moist and tender crumb, while the rich vanilla frosting adds a luscious finish. Trust in the expertise and dedication poured into this recipe, and savor the joy of creating a delectable masterpiece for any occasion.
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