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–+ servings
White Cake
This classic white cake recipe is a staple of early American baking, featuring a light and tender crumb ideal for layering or serving with whipped cream and berries. Its modest list of ingredients reflects a time when pantry basics were transformed into celebratory confections. Made with whipped egg whites for extra lift, this cake boasts a fluffy texture and clean vanilla flavor that remains a favorite for birthdays, tea time, or any simple celebration.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 344 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1⅓ cups sugar
  • 1¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 egg whites

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Vanilla

  • Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Whip and Fold Egg Whites

  • In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Frost or serve plain.

Tips

  • Sift dry ingredients for a lighter crumb
  • Use room-temperature egg whites for better volume
  • Substitute cake flour for extra tenderness
  • Add lemon zest for a subtle citrus note
  • Bake in two layers for a classic layer cake
  • Frost with whipped cream or buttercream
  • Avoid overmixing after adding milk
  • Line pans with parchment for easy release

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 323IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 134mgIron: 2mg
Keyword classic dessert, homemade cake, retro recipe, vanilla cake, vintage baking, white cake
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