The Best Simple White Cake Recipe (Moist & Fluffy!)
A soft, fluffy, and moist white cake that’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration — a true classic made easy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes + cooling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the White Cake:
2½ cups cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups granulated sugar
5 large egg whites, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
½ cup sour cream (optional for extra moisture and tang)
For Optional White Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3½ cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pans:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Egg Whites and Vanilla:
Add egg whites one at a time, beating after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Milk and Flour:
Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk and sour cream (if using), beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting (Optional):
Beat softened butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
8. Assemble:
Layer cakes with frosting and frost the outside.
Decorate as desired or keep it simple for a classic look.
Notes
For a whiter cake, use clear vanilla extract and avoid using egg yolks.
Cake flour makes the crumb lighter, but you can substitute all-purpose flour + cornstarch if needed.
This cake is perfect for wedding cakes, birthdays, and cupcakes too!
