White Velvet Cake
White Velvet Cake is a wonderfully soft, tender, and moist cake with a delicate vanilla flavor and a beautifully light crumb. Similar to classic red velvet cake in texture, this elegant white version skips the cocoa and food coloring while keeping that luxurious, velvety softness.
It’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, or simply when you want a beautiful homemade layer cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Creamy Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Lightly flour the sides and set the pans aside.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for approximately 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Add the vegetable oil and continue mixing until smooth.
The combination of butter and oil helps give the cake both flavor and moisture.
4. Add the Egg Whites
Add the egg whites gradually, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
5. Combine the Batter
Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
Mix gently.
Add half of the buttermilk and mix again.
Continue alternating the dry ingredients and buttermilk, finishing with the dry ingredients.
Mix only until combined.
6. Add the Vinegar
Gently stir in the white vinegar.
Don’t overmix the batter.
The finished batter should look smooth and relatively thick.
7. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Don’t overbake, as this can make the cake dry.
8. Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges and carefully turn the cakes onto wire racks.
Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time.
Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Beat in the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
Beat for another 2–3 minutes for a smooth texture.
Assemble the Cake
Place one completely cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Smooth the surface or create decorative swirls with a spatula.
For an elegant finish, decorate with white chocolate curls, coconut, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
Tips for the Best White Velvet Cake
Use room-temperature ingredients: They combine more evenly and produce a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake less tender.
Use cake flour: It helps create the delicate, soft texture associated with velvet cakes.
Don’t overbake: Remove the cakes as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting: Warm cake can melt the frosting and make decorating difficult.
Storage
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
The unfrosted cake layers can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meta Description
Make a soft and moist White Velvet Cake with a delicate vanilla flavor, tender crumb, and creamy homemade frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and special occasions.