Photorealistic two-layer white birthday cake on a crystal stand, featuring silky vanilla buttercream frosting, decorative piping, and a clean slice revealing its pristine white interior. Soft shadows from natural light enhance its texture, with blurred flowers and vintage baking tools in the background.

WHITE BIRTHDAY CAKE: THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC CELEBRATION RECIPE

White Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Classic Celebration Recipe

Key Info:

Prep Time: 30-120 minutes

Cook Time: 24-40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 12-28 slices

Difficulty: Moderate

Dietary: Vegetarian (contains dairy/eggs)

Equipment Needed:
  • Electric mixer
  • Two 8-9 inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Measuring tools
Ingredients:

Cake Layers:

  • 2¼ cups cake flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 5-7 egg whites
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp clear vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Vanilla Buttercream:

  • 1½ cups unsalted butter
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp clear vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Close-up of a stand mixer creaming butter and sugar, showcasing a fluffy pale yellow mixture with soft natural light from a kitchen window, stainless steel bowl, and scattered cake flour and fresh eggs in the background.

Pro Tips Before Starting:
  • ALWAYS use room temperature ingredients
  • Sift dry ingredients for smooth batter
  • Don’t overmix – it kills the cake’s fluffy texture
Method:
1. Prep Work
  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Grease and line cake pans with parchment
  • Bring all ingredients to room temperature
2. Cake Batter
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes)
  • Add egg whites gradually, beating well after each addition
  • Mix in vanilla extract
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk
  • Fold gently – preserve those air bubbles!
3. Baking
  • Divide batter evenly between pans
  • Bake 25-35 minutes
  • Test with toothpick – should come out clean
  • Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
4. Frosting
  • Beat butter until creamy
  • Gradually add powdered sugar
  • Mix in cream and vanilla
  • Beat until smooth and fluffy
5. Assembly
  • Ensure cakes are completely cool
  • Level cake layers if needed
  • Apply thin crumb coat
  • Chill 15 minutes
  • Final frosting layer
  • Decorate as desired

Professional overhead view of a pristine white two-layer birthday cake being frosted with silky vanilla buttercream on a crystal cake stand, with warm lighting and elegant shadows, featuring a stainless steel spatula smoothing frosting and decorative piping bags and fresh flowers in the background.

Crucial Tips:
  • Room temp ingredients = better texture
  • Don’t open oven while baking
  • Let cake cool completely before frosting
Storage:
  • Room temperature: 1-2 days
  • Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
  • Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
Variations:
  • Funfetti: Add rainbow sprinkles
  • Lemon: Substitute lemon extract
  • Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Common Mistakes:
  • ❌ Cold ingredients
  • ❌ Overmixing batter
  • ❌ Opening oven too frequently
  • ❌ Frosting warm cake
Nutrition (per slice):
  • Calories: 350-500
  • Protein: 4-6g
  • Fat: 20-30g
  • Carbs: 40-50g

Enjoy your perfectly classic white birthday cake! 🎂✨

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