White Cake Recipe

This classic white cake recipe delivers a light, fluffy, and delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake is ideal for celebrations, as a dessert for dinner parties, or just a treat to enjoy with your family. Whether you top it with frosting or enjoy it plain, this white cake will be a hit every time.

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch pan or line a muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed sugar and butter mixture, mixing well until smooth.
4. Stir in the milk until the batter reaches a smooth consistency.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back to the touch or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate White Cake: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder to give your cake a chocolatey twist.
• Lemon White Cake: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Frosted White Cake: Top your white cake with your favorite frosting, such as buttercream or whipped cream, for added flavor and texture.
• Cupcakes: Use this batter to make individual cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the white cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheating: If the cake is refrigerated or frozen, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though the flavor and texture might slightly differ.
2. Can I make this cake with whole wheat flour? Whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the texture will be denser and the flavor will be different. You may need to adjust the liquid amounts.
3. How can I make the cake moist? To keep the cake moist, avoid overbaking and store it properly. Adding a bit more milk or even a tablespoon of sour cream can also help improve the texture.
4. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, if using self-rising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
5. Can I use a different kind of milk? Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative.
6. Why is my cake dense? Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dense cake. Be sure to mix the batter only until combined, and check for doneness early to prevent overbaking.
7. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a larger pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
8. Do I need to grease and flour the pan? Yes, greasing and flouring the pan ensures that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to remove.
9. Can I make the cake in a round pan? Yes, you can use a round pan instead of a square one. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may bake faster.
10. How can I tell when the cake is done? The cake is done when it springs back when touched, or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

This white cake recipe is a simple and reliable dessert that delivers a delicious, light, and fluffy cake every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a special event or just enjoying a homemade treat, this cake is versatile and easy to make. You can customize it with different flavors or frostings, or enjoy it as it is. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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