Delicate, cloud-like, and undeniably elegant, Luscious White Velvet Cake is the showstopper that turns every gathering into a celebration. With layers that stay remarkably moist and a vanilla-forward flavor that never overpowers, this crowd-pleaser is just as perfect for weddings and birthdays as it is for quiet Sunday afternoons. A pillow-soft crumb and a velvety white frosting make every forkful a dreamy bite—no wonder this classic cake has become a go-to in my own kitchen. If you’ve been searching for a swoon-worthy dessert that checks all the boxes, it’s time to let this beauty steal the spotlight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Luscious White Velvet Cake truly special is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays an essential role in building that signature soft texture, pure flavor, and pristine color. Don’t be tempted to substitute; these tried-and-true components create the perfect bite every time.
- Cake flour: Provides a fine, light crumb that’s essential for the cake’s signature tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without grittiness, ensuring every bite is delicately balanced.
- Baking powder: Gives the layers a lovely rise and keeps the cake from being too dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and brings out the vanilla notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vegetable oil: Boosts moistness and ensures the cake stays soft, even after a day or two.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): The secret to the cake’s gentle tang and super tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with sweet, aromatic warmth.
- Egg whites (room temperature): Whipped into peaks, they help create the cake’s airy structure.
- Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for optimum fluffiness.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for frosting): Ensures the frosting is creamy without being greasy.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily for a smooth, sweet frosting.
- Heavy cream: Softens and lightens the frosting texture with a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Extends that dreamy vanilla flavor all the way through.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Prevents the frosting from tasting cloyingly sweet.
How to Make Luscious White Velvet Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and add a circle of parchment paper to each—this extra step guarantees that the Luscious White Velvet Cake releases perfectly every time, keeping those gorgeous layers intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until everything is evenly incorporated. This helps create an ultra-even cake batter, so every layer bakes up light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Butter, Oil, Buttermilk, and Vanilla
Add the softened unsalted butter and vegetable oil directly to the flour mixture. Mix until the mixture looks like slightly damp, soft crumbs. Stir in your buttermilk and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms. These ingredients come together to form the cake’s signature moist, tender crumb.
Step 4: Whip Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, whip your egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff, glossy peaks form. This is the secret step for a light-as-air Luscious White Velvet Cake—your patience here will be rewarded with tall, delicate layers.
Step 5: Fold in Egg Whites
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into your main batter, using big, sweeping strokes. This slow and gentle mixing keeps the air bubbles intact, so your cake bakes up pillowy soft and beautifully white.
Step 6: Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Smooth the tops and slide them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely—cooling minimizes breakage and ensures perfect frosting later on.
Step 7: Make the Dreamy Frosting
While your cakes cool, make the frosting by beating softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then pour in the heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip everything together until the frosting is smooth, light, and spreadable—ideal for those classic swirls and swoops.
Step 8: Frost and Assemble
Once the cakes are fully cool, spread a layer of frosting on the first cake, stack the next, and repeat until all layers are stacked. If you want that polished bakery look, start with a thin “crumb coat” of frosting, chill the cake for 20 minutes, then finish with a smooth final layer. Your Luscious White Velvet Cake is now ready to be the centerpiece!
How to Serve Luscious White Velvet Cake
Garnishes
A Luscious White Velvet Cake is showstopping on its own, but a touch of decoration adds even more wow factor. Consider scattering fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, on top for a burst of color. Edible flowers, snow-like sprinkles, or a handful of shimmering white chocolate curls can also turn this cake into an unforgettable centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve your Luscious White Velvet Cake with something light and refreshing, like a bowl of macerated strawberries or a scoop of lemon sorbet. Coffee or delicate teas make perfect drink pairings, balancing the cake’s sweetness with their subtle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a personal touch, slice the cake into petite cubes and serve them as elegant petit fours at a tea party. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids’ parties or special occasions. A stack of thin slices layered in clear parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries makes for an eye-catching dessert trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Luscious White Velvet Cake moist and fresh, cover leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays perfectly tender for up to four days, making it ideal for savoring all week long.
Freezing
If you want to make the cake ahead, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place the wrapped layers in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
Reheating
Luscious White Velvet Cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, let slices sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the cake’s tender texture and soften the perfect frosting.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
For the very best Luscious White Velvet Cake texture, cake flour is the way to go. All-purpose flour will make the crumb a bit denser and less tender, so if you have cake flour on hand, don’t skip it!
How do I keep my cake perfectly white?
Using only egg whites and clear vanilla extract keeps your cake snowy white. Make sure to fold egg whites in gently to preserve their brightness and keep the crumb light.
Why is my cake dry?
Dryness often comes from overbaking or using too little fat. To avoid this, check your cakes at the lower end of the baking time and stick to the ingredient amounts for butter, oil, and buttermilk. The result will be a Luscious White Velvet Cake that’s soft for days.
Can I add fruit or flavorings to the batter?
Absolutely! While the traditional beauty of Luscious White Velvet Cake is its pure vanilla flavor, you can gently fold in citrus zest or layer the cake with a thin spread of fruit preserves for a delicious twist without compromising the texture.
What’s the best way to get smooth frosting?
For that professional finish, apply a thin crumb coat, chill the cake, and then smooth on a final layer of frosting. An offset spatula and a rotating cake stand make spreading much easier, but even a butter knife works in a pinch!
Final Thoughts
Sharing a slice of Luscious White Velvet Cake always feels like a gift—soft, moist, and filled with love in every bite. Trust me, whether it’s for a milestone or just a midweek treat, this recipe will turn any day into a celebration. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with vanilla dreams and sweet anticipation!
Print
Luscious White Velvet Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling and frosting time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly delight of this luscious white velvet cake that is moist, fluffy, and perfect for any celebration. This classic cake is a crowd-pleaser with its tender crumb and creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
For Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and oil, mixing until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until well incorporated.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Frosting: For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Frost the cooled cakes and stack them into layers.
Notes
- For a wedding-style finish, frost with a crumb coat, chill, then apply a final smooth layer of frosting.
- Add fresh berries or edible flowers for decoration.
- This cake stays moist for up to 4 days when covered and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 47g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
