White Cake From Scratch Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a bakery-style treat with pure vanilla flavor and a soft, tender crumb, this White Cake From Scratch is about to become your new obsession. With its snowy hue and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this homemade classic is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or anytime you want an irresistibly elegant dessert. Baking White Cake From Scratch brings stunning results that impress both guests and taste buds—plus, you get to control every fresh, simple ingredient.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the refined look fool you—this White Cake From Scratch relies on basic ingredients, each one chosen for its unique role in creating a fluffy, tender cake with spot-on flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why each element matters:

• All-purpose flour: The main structure of the cake; sift for an extra-light, airy crumb.
• Baking powder: Your secret to lift and billowy softness; always check freshness for best rise.
• Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and heighten flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and gives the cake its supple, yielding texture.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and aids in creating that perfect, light cake structure.
• Egg whites (room temperature): The key to crackling-white color and a delicate bite—no yolks needed here!
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla rounds out the flavor beautifully; clear extract keeps the crumb extra white if preferred.
• Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and cake moist, tender, and rich.
• Sour cream (room temperature): Provides subtle tang and super-moist crumb every time.

How to Make White Cake From Scratch

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This step sets you up for cakes that release with ease and bake evenly—no sticking disasters here!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This little bit of aeration ensures even distribution for lift and that irresistible softness in every bite of White Cake From Scratch.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is ultra-light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes of mixing. This step is crucial for getting that airy, velvety texture that makes your cake truly bakery worthy.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

With the mixer running, add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in your vanilla extract. This keeps the batter stable and imparts the quintessential flavor of a true White Cake From Scratch.

Step 5: Combine Milk and Sour Cream

In a separate bowl (or a large measuring cup), mix together the whole milk and sour cream. Room-temperature dairy combines more smoothly, so don’t skip the wait. This duo locks in moisture and ensures every forkful is divinely tender.

Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, with your mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredient mixture and the milk-sour cream combo to the creamed mixture—alternating between the two, always beginning and ending with the dry. Take care not to overmix; stop as soon as it’s combined to keep the cake feathery rather than dense.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing out the tops so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma is guaranteed to make the kitchen feel extra inviting.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes—then turn them out onto wire racks to cool fully. Cooling prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish for your White Cake From Scratch.

How to Serve White Cake From Scratch

Garnishes

Dressing up your White Cake From Scratch can be as simple or as grand as you like. For a timeless look, swirl on a generous layer of buttercream or whipped cream frosting. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a flurry of white chocolate shavings give it that little something extra—think bridal shower chic or classic birthday magic.

Side Dishes

This feathery white cake pairs well with tart berries (like raspberries or blackberries), lemon curd, or even a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a party spread, offer coffee, tea, or a bubbly glass of something sweet alongside each moist slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your White Cake From Scratch into towering layer cakes, dainty cupcakes, or sheet cakes perfect for decorating big messages or themes. Try splitting each round for extra tall layered creations, or cut the cake into cubes and layer with fruit and cream for a stunning trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tightly wrap leftover cake layers or slices in plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, your White Cake From Scratch stays fresh and moist for up to 2 days. If frosted with a dairy-based icing, pop it in the fridge and let it come to room temp before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, bake the cake layers ahead and freeze (without frosting). Wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cakes overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before assembling and frosting.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm up your cake (especially in the winter months), microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds. You can also refresh unfrosted layers in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes—just enough to revive that made-today warmth and aroma.

FAQs

How do I keep my white cake extra white?

To achieve the cleanest color in your White Cake From Scratch, use clear vanilla extract and keep yolks out completely. Also, be cautious not to overbake, as browning edges can affect the final look.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Cake flour will make your cake even lighter and softer. Simply substitute an equal amount of cake flour for all-purpose flour for a more delicate crumb.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes, just divide the batter among cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean—keep an eye on them, as cupcakes bake faster than full layers.

What frostings go best with White Cake From Scratch?

Classic vanilla buttercream, whipped cream frosting, or cream cheese frosting are all perfect partners. For a fun twist, try lemon, almond, or raspberry buttercreams. The simple flavor of the cake welcomes all sorts of creative toppings.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

This recipe scales up or down easily. If halving, use a single 9-inch pan and adjust baking time. When doubling, make sure to mix in batches to keep the batter uniform and avoid overmixing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a homemade White Cake From Scratch with the people you love. Whether for celebrations or just an afternoon treat, this recipe turns everyday moments into something a little more special. Give it a try—your friends and family will taste the care in every bite!

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