I use this white cake as the base for many other cake flavors. It’s the PERFECT cake with a soft texture, wonderful vanilla flavor, and tastes incredible with creamy vanilla buttercream on top. Cake flour, egg whites, and sour cream are the secrets to the best texture. This cake recipe is the base for my burnt sugar caramel cake, coconut cake, strawberry cake and pistachio cake, too!
Let’s start the day the only way we know how: with a buttery white cake.
Why This is my Best White Cake Recipe
This white cake recipe is adapted from my perfect vanilla cupcakes, a reader favorite. The cake is my definition of *cake perfection* and has become one of the most popular cake recipes on my website. Here’s why:
- Soft & airy crumb
- Moist, but not eggy
- Pure sweet flavor
- Stick-to-your-fork tender
- Completely from scratch
- Easy & approachable recipe
I love this cake so much that I used it as the base for several other cake recipes I have published including espresso chocolate chip cake, pineapple coconut cake, cookies and cream cake, and the others mentioned above. I even reduced the quantity of cake batter down to make the perfect 1 layer pineapple upside down cake.
White Cake Success Tips
- Cream the Butter: To achieve a good rise, properly cream the butter and sugar together. We have a crutch of baking powder and soda, but the recipe begins with that very first and imperative step: beating the butter and sugar together until creamy.
- Egg Whites: Use ONLY egg whites. No yolks. Not only will using only egg whites give us a pristine white cake, it will ensure that the crumb is not weighed down by the fat in egg yolks. Think about it: lighter confections such as marshmallows and angel food cakes only require egg whites. Same story here.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is the cake’s security blanket; it keeps everything moist. It plays the same important role in coffee cake, too.
- Cake Flour: Cake flour is almost 30x finer than all-purpose flour. Using it is a surefire way to achieve a delicate and delicious texture. It’s sold in the baking aisle and you can use the rest of the box in any of these recipes that use cake flour including this popular confetti cake.
- Room Temperature: Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature. When ingredients are the same temperature, they bind together more readily than if you had some cold and some warmer ingredients. Colder ingredients, especially egg whites, will produce a thicker batter and, since it’s cold, will take longer to bake. This changes everything.
To summarize, make sure you’re creaming the butter and sugar together properly, all your ingredients are the same temperature and you use egg whites, sour cream, and cake flour. The result is an ultra-light cake with buttery vanilla flavor, just like the kind you find at a bakery or from a box mix. But it’s all made from scratch in your very own kitchen. ♥
White Cake Decoration
While the ingredients in the cake batter don’t leave any room for substitutions, we can have some fun with a variety of frostings and cake pans. I prefer vanilla frosting, which I include in the recipe below. But I encourage you to play around with chocolate buttercream, rainbow chip frosting, or chocolate cream cheese frosting. For a lighter, less sweet option, I love pairing this cake with whipped frosting (pictured below). Each of these frostings are absolutely remarkable on this lovely cake. The vanilla frosting makes a lot, so expect a thick layer between the cakes.
9×13-inch pan: Want to bake a sheet cake instead? Follow my recipe note. A single layer white cake is easier to prepare, decorate, and serve!
I even used this exact cake recipe for Elmo cake and added chocolate chips for Cookie Monster cake! It’s such a versatile cake and always receives compliments from taste testers and party goers.
You can also frost this cake with whipped frosting:
PrintFavorite White Layer Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: serves 10-12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This white cake recipe is buttery and moist with the fluffiest crumb and creamiest vanilla buttercream. The tricks are to use cake flour, egg whites, and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature*
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (yes, Tbsp!)
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature*
Vanilla Frosting
- 1 and 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 5 cups (600g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or use clear imitation vanilla extract for stark white frosting)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
- Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy—about 1 minute. 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 silicone spatula as needed. Add the egg whites. Beat on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. Then beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. 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. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Pour batter evenly into cake pans. Bake for around 24-25 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. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy—about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes. Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, more cream if frosting is too thick, or a pinch more of salt if frosting is way too sweet.
- Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Decorate top of cake with sprinkles, if desired. Slice, serve, enjoy!
- Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & 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 you are ready to serve. Frosted cake can be frozen up to 2 months if you have room in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 9-Inch Round Cake Pans | Glass Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Silicone Spatula | Cooling Rack | Cake Turntable | Straight Spatula (for frosting) | Round Cake Carrier (for storage)
- Amount of Batter: If it’s helpful for using different size cake pan sizes and conversions, this recipe yields about 7 cups of cake batter.
- Whole milk and sour cream are strongly recommended for the best taste and texture. A full fat plain yogurt would work instead, though the cake may not be as light. Same goes with a lower fat milk.
- 9×13-inch Pan: Simply pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cupcakes: My vanilla cupcakes recipe is essentially this same recipe, only halved. If you want more cupcakes, you can follow this white cake batter recipe and use the baking instructions for the cupcakes.
Here are my perfect vanilla cupcakes. Today’s white cake is just as soft & fluffy.
Hi, I made your 3 layer vanilla cake last year for my sons birthday and it was REALLY great- I want to make this one but we don’t have cake flour/ I know how to make my own but do you still add the additional bi carb in the recipe? Thanks so much, laura
Hi Laura, correct. Simply swap the cake flour with our homemade cake flour substitute with no other changes to the recipe.
Hi sally can I use the 8” round pans for the white cake recipe… how will the baking time change thanks
Hi Kavita, you can use two 8 inch pans instead of 9 inch pans. Bake time may be a minute or two longer — use a toothpick to test for doneness. Enjoy!
Hi sally I was wondering could you add gel food coloring to the buttercream frosting I like to make this cake colorful & how much frosting does the recipe make cause I like to decorate with buttercream flowers
Hi Andy! You can certainly add gel food coloring to the buttercream frosting — start small, and then color to your liking. This frosting would be plenty to cover and lightly decorate, but if you’d like a little extra wiggle room with the amount of frosting, we’d recommend using the ratios from our Best Vanilla Cake. That will ensure you have enough for your decorating.
Just made this cake for my mom’s 80th birthday. I paired it with caramel Italian meringue buttercream and strawberry rhubarb sauce was optional. My mom normally eats with an eye towards keeping her weight a healthy balance enjoyed a hearty second slice. Thanks for the recipe with detailed instructions.
It was the first time I had seen her in a while. It was a small outdoor family party of four and my mom was so happy with her cake.
can I double this recipe? and put in 12 x 17 rectangular pan (1/2 half sheet)?
Hi Valarie, The exact amount needed is actually between 1 and 2 batches of batter. You can see our post on Cake Pan Sizes and Conversions to find out exactly how to calculate the square inches for a pan and then adjust the recipe. Although the easiest thing to do would be to make the recipe twice (for best texture don’t double it) and then fill your pan 2/3 full and use the leftover batter to make some extra cupcakes 🙂
Hi! Can this recipe do 3 8in cake? I love all your recipes! I just made your triple chocolate cake for Mother’s day and it was a hit!
Hi Fatima! You can use two 8 inch pans instead of 9 inch pans. Bake time may be a minute or two longer. No need to change the temperature. Or, you can use three pans for very thin layers (or simply 1.5x times the recipe for three layers). Hope this helps!
Hi Sally,
the instructions never say where to add the milk! just thought I’d let you know…
Hi AT! See step 3 towards the end — “With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the milk until combined.” It’s the last ingredient to go into the batter. Hope this helps!
I want to make a 6 layer rainbow cake this weekend. Can’t decide if I’m excited or terrified really
Anyway, I want the cake too tall so would it be better to make the double layer white cake recipe 3 times or the single layer white cake 6 times? I’m assuming that the white cake will yield better colour batter than going with the yellow cake.
Hi Barry, for a rainbow cake we recommend using this light and fluffy white cake or our vanilla cake. The vanilla cake makes a little more batter, which could be helpful for a rainbow cake. You can divide either batter into 5 or 6 layers to color and bake-– keeping in mind the layers will be thinner and require a shorter bake time. Or, for regular sized (thickness) layers, you can make several batches — keeping in mind that it’s best to make the batches separately rather than multiplying. Hope this helps!
Would it be best to put in fridge 2 nights OR freeze and thaw after 2 days? Thanks.
Hi Debbie! It depends on the timing and when you can decorate the cake, but if possible, we’d recommend freezing the layers, then thawing overnight in the refrigerator before you are ready to decorate and serve the next day.
Hi Sally,
I want to try this recipe with less sugar. If i reduce the sugar to about 270g, will it be ok? Im worried that it might change the wet to dry ratio and have an impact on the texture of the cake. Please let me know if there is any other way to reduce sugar (any increase another ingredient may be)
Thank you so much in advance
Hi Ayanthi! You’re correct — reducing the sugar will impact the taste, texture, and structure of the cake. Without testing ourselves, we can’t guarantee results. You are welcome to try reducing it, but know that the results may be a bit different than if you made it as written. Let us know what you try!
Hi Sally! I’m planning on making this for my daughter’s birthday this weekend. I have only one round 9″ cake pan; it’s alright if I bake one cake, let it cool then bake the other cake correct? Just put the batter in the fridge while the first cake bakes and cools correct? Also, I was planning on using your whipped cream frosting instead of the options listed; I hope this is a good choice as I want a light frosting that isn’t overpowering. Hope you have time to answer my questions! Thank you in advance!
Hi Emily! Yes, you can use one pan to bake this cake – we recommend letting the second half of the batter sit at room temperature while you wait. Whipped cream frosting will be delicious, hope you love it!
Trina, thank you for the information! Also, with the whipped cream frosting; will it hold up if I assemble the cake the day before the party or should I frost it the day of? I’m not sure what would be best. Thanks again in advance!
I’m making a white cake with a cranberry filling between the layers. Will this cake be ok to use? It will also have a buttercream frosting.
Hi Linda, yes! That sounds like a delicious combination. We would love to hear how it goes for you.
Can I make this into a single tier nine inch round? Based on the cake pan conversion post, sounds like it should be fine!
Thanks
Hi Lilibet, this recipe yields enough for 2, 9 inch layers. Enjoy!
Hi Lexi thanks for the response! To clarify -could I add all the batter to one pan, to make a single tier (but taller) cake?
Sorry for the confusion! We don’t recommend baking in just one pan for fear it would overflow and bake unevenly.
It turned out great. The original white cake was too dense but this one was a lot lighter and paired well with the cranberry filling and the frosting.
Question. My daughter has to eat “ sugar free” sweets. I usually just buy box cakes. Can I substitute Splenda for the sugar?? If so, same amount?
Thank you
Hi Debbie! We’d love to help but we are not trained in baking with sugar substitutes. For best taste and texture (and so you don’t waste your time trying to adapt this recipe since it may not work properly), it may be more useful to find a recipe that is specifically formulated for sugar substitutes like Splenda. Thank you!
My brother requested vanilla cake to use up extra Raspberry Swiss Merengue Buttercream frosting for his birthday. It was spectacular! I filled it with lemon curd and raspberry culis. I’ve been asked to make it for many friends now. Thank you!
Hi Sally!
What is yhe difference between your white cake and vanilla cake? When should i use them?
Hi Sara! The vanilla cake yields a larger cake with a more dense crumb and a a strong vanilla flavor. This white cake is smaller with a lighter crumb. It simply depends on what you’re looking for!
Hi thanks for the reply!
And can I add supplements to both of the cakes, like blueberries, raspberries or is the consistency of one of cakes better for that? 😀
Hi, I love this recipe! Would it work to use two 8×3″ pans? Also, should I decrease the temperature if I use a fatdaddio’s pan? Thank you
Hi Lee, Yes, you can use two 8 inch pans instead of 9 inch pans. Bake time may be a minute or two longer. No need to change the temperature. Enjoy!
I’m new to cake baking. My kids and I are making this today for our neighbour who has baked every single birthday cake we’ve had since they were born. But it’s her birthday today so we are doing something special. My question is, I’m not sure if my kids can manage the icing so I’m thinking of just using fresh whip cream and strawberries to frost it. Is this a terrible idea? My mom always did angel food cakes for me as a kid this way and I loved it, but I never see recipes with whip cream as the frosting so thought there might be a reason I should know about, or if I should wait til the last second to assemble it or something.
Anyhow, looking forward to the end result.
Hi Kristy! You can absolutely use whipped cream and strawberries to decorate this white cake. We do something similar in our Fresh Berry Cream Cake. What a sweet idea to make this for your neighbor — we hope she loves it!
Thankyou for the quick reply 🙂
The cakes are beautiful, just had to bake another 3 minutes or something which makes me think my oven may be a bit off. But it could have been me opening the oven door a few times >.> lol
Is there any difference making the whip cream ahead and chilling or making it right before frosting? Thanks
hi! i’m kind of a ditz and accidentally didn’t add in the milk 🙁 i added everything else though, including the sour cream. will it still be okay to eat?
Hi Ania! It will be ok to eat, it just may be dense.
This looks amazing! We are trying to modify a Strawberry Margarita cupcake mix, but that author recommends using a box of white cake mix (which we don’t really want to use). I wonder if we could just use your base recipe and add in her recommended extras? Or, bonus – if you have a Strawberry Margarita cupcake recipe, that would be awesome too
Hi Jamie, we don’t recommend adding ingredients to this cake batter as it could change the consistency too much. You may love these Margarita Cupcakes, Strawberry Cupcakes or Strawberry Buttercream!
I am looking to make this as a funfetti cake for my daughter’s first birthday, but we live at a high altitude. Do I need to adjust this recipe for high altitude? Or will it work as written?
Hi Jessica, I wish we could help, but have no experience baking at high altitude. Some readers have found this chart helpful: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html
I’ve made this recipe before and it’s excellent. I’d like to use it to bake a 6 layer 7″ cake for my friend’s daughter, and im going to cut holes in the lower layers but leave the top layer intact. Fill with those special sprinkles and top the cake. So when it’s cut the sprinkles will pour out. Do you think this will be sturdy enough? I really don’t want to do a trial 6 layer cake, because then I’ll have to eat it! lol
Hi Sharon! We recommend using the cake batter from this Piñata Cake recipe instead. It’s sturdier and made for the exact type of cake you want to create. We’re unsure exactly how much batter you’ll need for six 7″ layers, but you can reference our cake pan sizes and conversions guide to find out. Would love to hear how it goes!
I used this recipe to make lamingtons (which is basically squares of vanilla cake coated in a chocolate-y icing and then covered in shredded coconut), and it turned out so well! It tastes delicious, and the cake itself is so soft and yummy. Definitely a keeper! Thanks, Sally!
I absolutely love this recipe. It is my go to for all my “basic” cakes. I am trying to make a 3D baseball using a wilton mold. I tried this today but after baking for 45 minute the cakes were still not cooked and sinking in the middle. The cake mold says to use a “denser” cake recipe. Is this recipe considered “dense” and if not do you have one that might work for this?
Hi Maria! This white cake is definitely light and fluffy. We don’t have much experience baking with molds so can’t say for sure, but this Cream Cheese Pound Cake might be a better fit. It has a denser crumb. Let us know if you give it a try!
I’m looking to do a 4 layer 9 inch vanilla cake. Would doing your 2 layer white cake (x 2)work ok?
Hi Liz! Yes, for the best texture we suggest making it twice for 4 layers instead of doubling.
Just tried this as a trial run for my daughter’s birthday, I added sprinkles for funfetti… I think my baking pans are too dark and I ended up overbaking but the flavor was great and the crumb was tender. The cake was not super white, but I think that may have been due to overbaking. Great structure to cake, you can tell it is fluffy but also structured enough to decorate.
I was wondering, I have buttermilk to use up, would it be possible to use in this recipe instead of the whole milk? I’m planning on giving this recipe another go to freeze and save for decorating for the birthday… do you think this would hold up to being a 3 layer 8- or 9-inch cake if I got ambitious?
Hi Amanda! The best way to use buttermilk is to have it replace both the sour cream AND milk in this recipe. Use 1 and 1/2 cups of buttermilk, then leave out the sour cream and whole milk. This cake should hold up just fine as a three layer cake. Hope you love it!
I have made this cake several times and it is moist and flavorful! Everyone loves it. Do you think it would hold up if I doubled the recipe and did 4, 9 inch cake rounds with buttercream frosting or would the cake collapse?
Hi Teresa! For the best texture we suggest making it twice for 4 layers instead of doubling. It should be sturdy enough.
The ratios seem off with this recipe. I don’t know why. I love the strawberry cake and that works great. But this one did not bake up right. When I compared the weights to your easy homemade sprinkle cake the cake flour weight didn’t match. (1 1/2 cups is 180g which means 2 1/2 cups should be 300g not 263g.) I ended up trying again by doubling the sprinkle cake and that worked much better. I love your recipes and the amount of time you take for each one! Thanks for always working to improve!
I’m making this for Easter dinner this weekend. I’m wondering however why this cake is more yellow than other white cake recipes? Most white cakes are white instead of yellow, is it just the pictures? I love your recipes so I definitely want to use your recipe
Hi Nicole, it’s the photos. The only yellow ingredient we have is, really, the butter. Butter can be more yellow (as opposed to a cream/ivory shade) depending on region.
I’ve made this cake a dozen times, and it turns out great every time! I was wanting to add a little bit of almond flavor, with almond extract to this. How much should I add, and should I keep vanilla extract the same?
Hi Ariel, we’re so happy you enjoy this cake! For an almond cake, we recommend using 1.5 teaspoons almond extract and 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract. Happy baking!