Easy White Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, fluffy white cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings, offering a subtle vanilla flavor that appeals to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl.
  2. Add shortening and 1 cup of milk; beat for 1 minute.
  3. Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add eggs, remaining 1/2 cup of milk, and vanilla; beat for 1 minute or until smooth.
  5. Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch cake pans.
  6. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for richer flavor. If you prefer a vanilla twist, consider adding almond extract as well. To keep your cake moist, avoid overmixing once you add the wet ingredients. If you have leftover cake, try pairing it with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy White Cake is perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted with your favorite icing. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lemon Layer Cake for a refreshing citrus contrast. It also complements a cup of tea or coffee perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy White Cake contains roughly 232 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

232 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 48.6g 18% DV
Fiber 2.4g 8% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 801.8mg 35% DV
Potassium 229.9mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 51.6mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 12.9mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 148.9mg 11% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour for all-purpose flour, but omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe. Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, so be sure to monitor the baking time for best results.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, unsalted butter is a great alternative. It will provide a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. You can use the same amount of butter as the shortening specified in the recipe. For a healthier option, consider using coconut oil, which will impart a subtle coconut flavor.

How can I make this cake chocolate flavored?

To transform this Easy White Cake into a chocolate cake, simply replace 3/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. You may also want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the bitterness of the cocoa. Adjust baking time as necessary, but the texture will remain delightful!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →