Description
This Simple White Birthday Cake recipe is a classic and elegant treat perfect for any celebration. Featuring a light, fluffy vanilla sponge layered with a smooth, creamy white American buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to delight with its tender texture and sweet, balanced flavors. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 ½ cups (275g) cake flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 tbsp clear vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
White American Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air which contributes to the cake’s texture.
- Add egg whites and vanilla: Beat in the egg whites one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Follow by mixing in the clear vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming soggy.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the clear vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble and frost: Once the cakes are fully cooled, use a cake leveler if desired to even out the layers. Frost the cake evenly with the white American buttercream, spreading smoothly over the sides and top.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients (egg whites and milk) helps create a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour, but reduce the quantity by about 2 tablespoons for best results.
- Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- The frosting can be made ahead and stored refrigerated; let it come to room temperature and rewhip before using.
- This cake layers well and is ideal for adding fillings if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: white birthday cake, vanilla cake, buttercream frosting, classic cake recipe, simple birthday cake
