Ina Garten’s Divine White Cake Recipe: Fluffy Sweetness Awaits

Soft, pillowy white cake has been a beloved dessert for generations, and this Ina Garten white cake recipe promises pure baking magic.

Every baker dreams of creating a cake so light it practically floats off the plate.

The secret lies in carefully balanced ingredients and precise mixing techniques.

Whisking egg whites to glossy peaks creates an airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Each slice promises a delicate crumb that speaks of professional-level baking skills.

Gentle folding and measured mixing ensure a cake that’s tender and impossibly smooth.

You’ll want to share this showstopping dessert at every celebration.

How to Bake Ina Garten White Cake at Home

• Preparation Station

Create a welcoming baking environment by gathering all necessary tools and setting up your kitchen workspace. Ensure your counters are clean and ingredients are easily accessible.

• Butter Bliss

Soften butter to room temperature and combine with sugar, creating a creamy, light mixture. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, stirring in vanilla for a fragrant touch.

• Flour Power

Sift dry ingredients together, creating a smooth powder that will give your cake its delicate texture. Slowly fold into the butter mixture, alternating with milk to create a silky, consistent batter.

• Pan Performance

Select a square baking pan and prepare it with a light coating to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the batter, smoothing the surface for an even, beautiful cake.

• Oven Magic

Place the cake in a preheated oven, allowing gentle heat to transform your batter into a golden, fluffy masterpiece. Watch for a perfect golden-brown color and test with a clean toothpick.

• Cooling Finale

Allow the cake to rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely, letting the flavors settle and the texture become perfectly tender.

Flavor Enhancements for Ina Garten White Cake

• Add fresh berries or lemon zest to the batter for a burst of flavor that transforms the classic white cake.
• Experiment with different frosting styles like classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a light glaze to personalize your dessert.
• Easily convert this recipe to cupcakes by adjusting baking time to 18-22 minutes, creating individual servings perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Drizzle melted chocolate between cake layers or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for an extra layer of indulgence that elevates the simple white cake.

Ideas for Serving Ina Garten White Cake

• Frost with Finesse: Spread a layer of classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake for a classic, elegant touch that enhances the cake's delicate flavor.
• Dress with Berries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and tangy freshness that complements the cake's sweet profile.
• Dust with Delight: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake for a simple, sophisticated finish that adds a light, sweet touch and makes the dessert look bakery-beautiful.
• Pair with Pleasure: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a more indulgent dessert experience that balances the cake's soft texture.

Store Ina Garten White Cake Properly

• Store Smartly: Transfer the cooled cake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Glass or plastic containers work perfectly for keeping the cake moist and delicious.
• Refrigerate Right: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. This white cake stays tasty for up to 4 days when chilled, preventing it from drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze for Future: Slice the cake into individual portions or keep it whole. Wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen cake remains delectable for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Thaw with Care: Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For the best texture and flavor, bring the cake to room temperature before serving, allowing it to sit out for about 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything in Ina Garten White Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, choose unbleached flour for a richer texture and more natural flavor.
• Baking Powder: The magical rising agent that gives the cake its light and airy structure, always use fresh for maximum lift.

• Granulated Sugar, Butter: The dynamic duo that creates a silky, tender crumb with perfect sweetness and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Eggs: Binding powerhouses that provide structure, moisture, and contribute to the cake's golden color.
• Vanilla Extract: The aromatic flavor enhancer that adds depth and complexity to the entire dessert, opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.

• Milk: The liquid that smooths out the batter and ensures a tender, soft cake texture, whole milk works best for richness.

Baking Tools for Ina Garten White Cake

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection and beating eggs smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• 9-inch Square Cake Pan: Ideal for baking this classic white cake.
• Whisk: Great for blending flour and baking powder evenly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter into pan and smooth the top.
• Toothpick: Necessary for checking cake doneness.
• Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling cake after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Elegant Ina Garten White Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic white cake delivers pure elegance with simple ingredients and professional baking techniques. Silky layers promise celebration-worthy dessert perfection for home bakers eager to recreate her signature style.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
• 1 ¾ teaspoons (8.75 ml) baking powder
• ½ cup (113 g or 4 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and warm to 350°F. Meticulously grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan, ensuring comprehensive coverage to prevent adhesion.
2. Creaming Process: Utilize electric mixer to whip butter and sugar until ethereally light and fluffy. Introduce eggs systematically, blending after each incorporation to achieve a silky, homogeneous mixture. Infuse vanilla extract, stirring until perfectly melded.
3. Dry Ingredient Integration: Sift flour and baking powder through fine-mesh strainer to eliminate potential clumps. Delicately fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently to create a smooth, velvety batter without overmixing.
4. Baking Technique: Elegantly transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing surface with rubber spatula. Tap pan gently to dislodge any trapped air pockets, ensuring uniform texture.
5. Oven Transformation: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set. Verify doneness by inserting toothpick into cake’s center – it should emerge pristine and crumb-free.
6. Cooling Protocol: Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes, facilitating structural stabilization. Carefully invert onto wire rack, permitting complete cooling before serving or embellishing.

Notes

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Ensure butter is at room temperature, soft but not melting, for optimal creaming texture and volume.
• Sifting Is Crucial: Always sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Egg Technique Matters: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to prevent batter separation and ensure even incorporation.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender, light cake texture and prevent toughness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg