White Birthday Cake is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any celebration. With its light, fluffy layers and creamy frosting, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a big birthday bash, this cake brings joy, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia to the table.
Why We Love This White Birthday Cake Recipe
There’s something enchanting about a slice of White Birthday Cake. Be it a casual family gathering or a grand celebration, this cake caters to all occasions. Its soft, moist layers paired with an indulgent frosting create a taste that is hard to resist. Every birthday deserves a special cake, and this particular recipe offers an ideal balance of sweetness, creaminess, and fluffiness.
What makes this White Birthday Cake exceptional is not just its taste but also its versatility. You can dress it up with vibrant decorations, seasonal fruits, or flowers, transforming it into a stunning centerpiece for your event.
With easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe allows bakers of all levels to create a delightful treat. Plus, the ingredients list includes common kitchen staples, making it accessible for anyone who desires to whip up this delicious dessert.
Ingredients for White Birthday Cake
To recreate this delightful White Birthday Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 and 1/2 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup + 2 and 1/2 tablespoons salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 and 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 7 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups milk, at room temperature
- 2 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 6 and 1/2 cups to 7 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 12 ounces full-fat block-style cream cheese, softened at room temperature
How to Make White Birthday Cake Directions
Creating this delightful White Birthday Cake is a fulfilling process. Here’s how you can make it from scratch:
Prep Your Ingredients: Before you begin baking, ensure all your cold ingredients are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Take three 9-inch cake pans and grease them generously with shortening followed by a dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside. In a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter until it becomes creamy and fluffy. Next, add the vegetable oil, followed by the granulated sugar, and beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the egg whites, mixing well after each addition.
Now, begin adding the sour cream and vanilla extract to the mixture. Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method helps to keep your batter light and airy.
Bake the Cake: Carefully divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and allow them to bake for about 22 to 26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once finished, let the cakes cool in the pans for approximately 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. Allow them to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: For the delicious frosting, cream together the softened salted butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream until the frosting reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue to cream until well combined, then mix in the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and combined.
Assemble the Cake: Start by placing the first layer of your cooled cake on a cake stand or serving dish. Spread approximately 1 and 1/2 cups of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Finally, add the last layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For a more polished finish, you might want to create a smooth edge or even some decorative swirls.
Chill and Serve: Once frosted, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. This makes it easier to slice and present.
Congratulations! Your beautiful White Birthday Cake is now ready to serve. Slice it into pieces and enjoy every layer of this soft, sweet delight!
How to Serve White Birthday Cake
Serving your White Birthday Cake can be as fun as creating it. Here are a few ideas to make the presentation special:
- Classic Slices: Just serve the cake in classic wedges. Accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance enjoyment. The combination of creamy frosting and a cold scoop of ice cream creates a heavenly balance.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruits: Consider decorating the top or sides with fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Not only does this add color, but the slight tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Festive Decorations: If you’re celebrating a birthday, adding festive decorations such as colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed candles can make the cake visually appealing. It creates an exciting atmosphere and encourages celebration.
- Coffee Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for both afternoon celebrations and evening gatherings.
- Takeaway Treats: If you have leftover slices, consider wrapping them up in individual portions. This way, guests can take home a sweet memory to enjoy later.
Expert Tips: White Birthday Cake
Creating the perfect White Birthday Cake requires attention to detail and a few expert tips. Here are some suggestions to help you achieve a fantastic cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, and dairy products are at room temperature. This step helps achieve a smooth batter and allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a fluffier cake.
- Measuring Flour: Use the spoon and level method to measure your flour correctly. Over-measuring can lead to a dense cake. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, so be gentle as you fold ingredients together.
- Cool Properly: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting can melt and slide off, making for a messy presentation.
- Storing Leftovers: If you’re not serving the cake immediately, consider placing it in the fridge uncovered for a few hours after frosting. This allows the frosting to set. Afterward, cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Flavor Variations: Want to add a twist? Consider infusing some flavor into your frosting by incorporating lemon zest or almond extract. It creates an extra depth of flavor that enhances the overall experience.
How to Store White Birthday Cake
To keep your White Birthday Cake fresh and delicious, you’ll want to store it properly:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within two to three days, store it at room temperature. Ensure it’s covered with a dome or plastic wrap to protect it from drying out.
- In the Refrigerator: If you have leftovers beyond this time frame, it’s best to place the cake in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or of course, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge. Enjoy your cake within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: If you need to keep the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations of White Birthday Cake
While the classic White Birthday Cake is delicious on its own, there are numerous variations you can explore to put a twist on this classic:
- Lemon Zest Addition: Adding lemon zest to the cake batter can brighten its flavor. This adds a refreshing touch, making it perfect for summer birthdays.
- Almond Flavor: Substitute part of the vanilla extract with almond extract to create a different flavor profile. Almond adds a wonderful depth and is quite popular in birthday cakes.
- Layer with Jam or Fruit Filling: Consider filling the layers of your cake with strawberry jam, raspberry puree, or lemon curd. This addition can create a delightful surprise when the cake is cut.
- Chocolate Swirl: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding chocolate batter to your cake. You can create a marble effect by swirling chocolate cake batter into the white batter before baking.
- Coconut Cream Frosting: Instead of standard frosting, whip up a coconut cream frosting. Topping your white cake with this tropical flavor can make it truly unforgettable.
- Decorative Theming: Depending on the occasion, you can customize your cake’s decorations. Use colorful sprinkles, seasonal fruits, or edible flowers to match your event’s theme.
FAQ About White Birthday Cake
What makes a cake white?
A White Birthday Cake is characterized by its flavor and color. The absence of egg yolks contributes to the cake’s white hue, along with using light-colored flour and sugar.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped. Frost the cake just before serving for the best flavor and appearance.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
To keep your cake moist, ensure you don’t overbake it, and store it properly. Using sour cream in the batter also helps retain moisture, giving you a beautifully soft cake.
What can I use instead of sour cream in the recipe?
If sour cream is unavailable, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. They will provide similar moisture and acidity.
Can I use a different frosting for the White Birthday Cake?
Definitely! While a cream cheese frosting is delightful, you can opt for buttercream, whipped cream, or even a ganache topping, depending on your preference.
White Birthday Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3.5 cups cake flour, spooned & leveled Use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 0.75 tsp baking soda
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2.5 tbsp salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 2.67 cups granulated sugar
- 7 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1.5 tbsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cups full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1.5 cups milk, at room temperature
For the Frosting
- 2 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 6.5 cups powdered sugar Adjust between 6.5 to 7.5 cups for desired sweetness.
- 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 12 oz full-fat block-style cream cheese, softened at room temperature
Instructions
Preparation
- Ensure all cold ingredients are at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans with shortening and dust with flour.
Make the Cake Batter
- Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened salted butter until creamy and fluffy.
- Add vegetable oil and granulated sugar; mix until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate egg whites gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract. Alternately mix in dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for approximately 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks. Allow to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Cream together the softened salted butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; mix well. Then mix in the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
- Place the first layer of cake on a serving dish and spread 1.5 cups of frosting over it.
- Repeat with the second layer. Add the last layer and frost top and sides.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
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