Luscious White Velvet Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a cloud on your fork, you simply must try this Luscious White Velvet Cake. With its delicate crumb, gentle vanilla notes, and a whisper of tang from buttermilk and sour cream, this cake is a celebration-worthy treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a shower, or just a sweet afternoon, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for those moments when only something truly special will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Luscious White Velvet Cake is found in its simple, staple ingredients—each one plays an essential role in building the cake’s plush texture and unmistakable flavor. Gather these kitchen classics and get ready to create something unforgettable!
- Cake flour: Gives the cake its signature tender and velvety crumb, so don’t substitute with all-purpose for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create a fine, soft texture in every bite.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens and balances out all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Egg whites (room temperature): The secret to a snowy white cake and a tender crumb; separating them out is worth it!
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Brings moisture and a subtle tang that makes the cake extra luscious.
- Vanilla extract: The star flavor—don’t skimp on pure vanilla for the best aroma and taste.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a half teaspoon gives a faintly nutty background note, elevating the flavor complexity.
- Sour cream: Adds extra moisture and a creamy richness, making every slice ultra-tender.
- White chocolate shavings or sprinkles (for garnish): A final flourish for an elegant, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Luscious White Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper if you prefer. This step ensures your masterpiece will release easily and look picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. By combining the dry ingredients first, you guarantee even distribution and a consistent rise throughout your Luscious White Velvet Cake.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Add the softened butter directly to the dry mixture and blend on low speed. You’re aiming for a texture that resembles fine, soft crumbs—this step is key for that signature velvety feel that makes this cake so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your egg whites, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. The combination of buttermilk and sour cream gives the cake a subtle tang and unbeatable moisture, while the egg whites keep everything light and snow-white.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry and butter mixture. Mix gently until just combined and the batter is silky-smooth. Try not to overmix—just until there are no dry streaks left is perfect for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking. Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma will fill your kitchen—pure heaven!
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite white buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Finish your Luscious White Velvet Cake with a generous sprinkle of white chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an extra touch of glamour.
How to Serve Luscious White Velvet Cake
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, top your Luscious White Velvet Cake with delicate white chocolate curls, shimmery sprinkles, or even edible flowers. These little touches add visual appeal and a bit of textural contrast, making each slice feel like a gift.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with bowls of fresh berries—think raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side will make dessert feel extra luxurious without stealing the spotlight from the cake itself.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into petite squares for a dessert platter, layering it in parfait glasses with lemon curd and fruit, or stacking mini-cakes for a stunning tiered effect. However you serve it, the Luscious White Velvet Cake always feels festive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Luscious White Velvet Cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop it in the fridge to maintain that soft, velvety texture for up to five days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving for best results.
Reheating
While this cake is dreamy at room temperature, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh them. This softens the crumb and brings back that fresh-baked aroma—just like the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
For the most tender, bakery-style crumb, cake flour is the best choice. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a substitute by removing two tablespoons from each cup of all-purpose flour and replacing it with cornstarch, then sifting well.
What’s the secret to a truly white cake crumb?
Using only egg whites (no yolks) and clear vanilla extract (if you have it) will help keep the crumb beautifully white. Room temperature ingredients also blend more evenly, resulting in that perfect Luscious White Velvet Cake texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cake flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The results are still deliciously soft and moist.
How can I add more flavor without overpowering the cake?
A touch of almond extract or a layer of lemon or raspberry curd between the cake layers adds a delightful burst of flavor while keeping the delicate character of the Luscious White Velvet Cake intact.
What frosting pairs best with this cake?
Classic white buttercream is a timeless choice, but cream cheese frosting or a fluffy whipped vanilla frosting are also wonderful. For a twist, try a raspberry or lemon buttercream for a pretty pop of color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cake that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat, you can’t go wrong with Luscious White Velvet Cake. Every bite is tender, light, and full of delicate flavor—perfect for any occasion that calls for a bit of celebration. Give it a try and watch it become the star of your dessert table!
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Luscious White Velvet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Luscious White Velvet Cake is a soft, moist, and delicately flavored white layer cake perfect for birthdays and special occasions. Made with cake flour, buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla and almond extract, it bakes into two tender layers that pair beautifully with white buttercream or cream cheese frosting, adorned with white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
For Garnish
- White chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt ensuring even distribution.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, which helps create a tender crumb texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, ensuring a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined and smooth to avoid overworking the batter.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain shape.
- Frost and Garnish: Once cooled, frost with your favorite white buttercream or cream cheese frosting and garnish with white chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor and moisture, brush cooled cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- This cake pairs beautifully with raspberry or lemon curd filling between the layers.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure proper mixing and an even texture.
- To avoid overmixing, stop mixing as soon as the batter is smooth and combined.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
