The Simple White Cake Recipe has graced family gatherings and celebrations for over a century, evolving from late 19th-century wedding cakes to an everyday dessert favorite. This cake’s appeal lies in its tender crumb, subtle vanilla flavor, and versatility—whether you’re frosting it with buttercream or serving it plain alongside fresh berries. Moreover, the recipe’s straightforward ingredients and step-by-step process make it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail—ingredients, directions, tips, and more—to ensure your Simple White Cake Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Recipe Details & Difficulty
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Additional Time (cooling): 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings (1× yield): 12 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Cook Mode Reminder: Keep your screen awake while baking so you can follow along without missing a beat!
Ingredients for Simple White Cake Recipe
| Ingredient | 1× Yield (12 servings) | 2× Yield (24 servings) | 4× Yield (48 servings) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White sugar | 1 cup (200 g) | 2 cups (400 g) | 4 cups (800 g) | Use superfine sugar for quicker dissolving |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (115 g) | 1 cup (230 g) | 2 cups (460 g) | Softened at room temperature for easy creaming |
| Large eggs | 2 | 4 | 8 | Room-temperature eggs incorporate more air |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | 8 tsp | Use pure vanilla for best flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups (190 g) | 3 cups (380 g) | 6 cups (760 g) | Spoon into measuring cup; level with a knife |
| Baking powder | 1¾ tsp | 3½ tsp | 7 tsp | Ensure freshness for optimal rise |
| Milk | ½ cup (120 ml) | 1 cup (240 ml) | 2 cups (480 ml) | Whole milk gives richest flavor |
Step-by-Step Directions for Simple White Cake Recipe
- Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9″ square pan and dust with flour, or line with parchment paper. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Tip: Proper creaming traps air for a light crumb—don’t rush this step. - Add Eggs & Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each. Scrape down the bowl sides, then beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until evenly distributed. - Alternate Flour & Milk
With the mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just incorporated.
Pour in half the milk; mix until blended.
Repeat with another third of flour, remaining milk, and finish with the last flour. Note: Overmixing can toughen the cake—stop as soon as the batter is smooth. - Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake on the center rack for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool & Frost
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. - Serve & Enjoy
Slice into 12 pieces and serve plain or frosted with your favorite icing.
Local Offers & Featured Products
- Whole Foods 365: Organic unsalted butter and pasture-raised eggs.
- Walmart Great Value: Budget-friendly all-purpose flour and milk.
- Premium Swap: King Arthur unbleached flour for finer crumb.
Chef’s Notes, Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Swirl: Fold in a swirl of melted chocolate before baking.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the batter.
- Jam Swirl: Dollop your favorite jam on top and swirl before baking.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Over-creaming butter and sugar can collapse the batter.
- Adding eggs too quickly may cause curdling.
- Ignoring oven hot spots—rotate pan halfway through.
- Storage Methods:
- Room Temp: Airtight container, up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Wrapped in plastic, up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Unfrosted slices in freezer bags, up to 3 months.
- Health Tips:
- Substitute half the sugar with applesauce for reduced calories.
- Use almond- or oat-milk for dairy-free adaptation.
- Check for allergens if serving to guests with restrictions.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Yield | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1× (12) | 209 | 9 g | 29 g | 3 g |
| 2× (24) | 209 | 9 g | 29 g | 3 g |
| 4× (48) | 209 | 9 g | 29 g | 3 g |
Values approximate and vary by brand.
Team’s Personal View
“We love this Simple White Cake Recipe because it’s our blank canvas—top it with fresh strawberries, rich ganache, or edible flowers. During testing, we learned that chilling the batter for 10 minutes before baking gives an even tighter crumb!”
— The You Cook Recipes Development Team
Final Thoughts
The Simple White Cake Recipe stands out for its classic flavor, ease of preparation, and endless customization. Whether you’re baking for a special event or a midweek treat, this cake delivers a tender, moist crumb every time. For more cake-centric inspiration, explore our indulgent Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, dive into the rich layers of Krispy Brownie Delights, or try a gourmet twist with the Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe. We invite you to bake this Simple White Cake Recipe, share your photos on social media, and discover these related dessert ideas to perfect your baking skills—happy baking!
