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–+ servings

Simple White Cake (Light, Fluffy & Elegant)

A classic American white cake with a delicate crumb, gentle vanilla aroma, and buttery flavor—perfect for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. Straightforward prep, consistently tender results.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 –10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups 300 g granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 240 ml whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg whites room temperature
  • Neutral oil or butter for greasing pans
  • 2 teaspoons flour for dusting pans optional
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 cup 227 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups 480 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 –3 tablespoons milk or cream as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring butter, milk, and egg whites to room temperature. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans; flour or line bottoms with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3–5 minutes. Scrape bowl as needed.
  3. Beat in vanilla. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing just to incorporate and keeping the mixture smooth and emulsified.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 2 additions (start and end with dry). Mix on low just until combined to keep the crumb light.
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops for even baking.
  7. Bake 25–30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and tops spring back lightly.
  8. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, pinch of salt, and enough milk/cream to reach smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Frost first layer, stack the second, then frost top and sides. Slice and enjoy. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSodium: 200mgSugar: 20g
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