If you love soft, fluffy and perfectly sweet cakes, this Ina Garten White Cake Recipe is for you. It is simple, elegant and melts in your mouth. I always get compliments when I make it.
This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties or just a cozy dessert at home. In this blog, I will show you how to make Ina Garten White Cake. You will also find easy-to-follow instructions, tips and serving ideas.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this Ina Garten White Cake Recipe last weekend. The cake came out soft and light. It had a perfect sweetness, not too much, not too little. Everyone at home loved it.
The frosting was creamy and smooth. I enjoyed making it because the steps are easy. Even if you are new to baking, you can make it successfully. It feels special and homemade at the same time.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten White Cake
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten White Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk, at room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. - Add Eggs Slowly
Add eggs one at a time. Beat each egg for 20 seconds before next. - Add Flavors
Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Mix well until smooth. - Combine Flour and Milk
Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Start and end with flour. - Mix Gently
Use a spatula to fold mixture gently. Do not overmix or cake will be dense. - Pour Batter into Pans
Divide batter equally into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. - Bake the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. - Cool the Cake
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then move to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix. - Add Vanilla and Cream
Mix in vanilla and cream. Beat until light, fluffy and spreadable. - Frost the Cake
Place one layer on plate. Spread frosting evenly. Place second layer on top. - Decorate as Desired
Add extra frosting on top and sides. Optional: sprinkles or fresh fruits.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results.
- Sift flour for a lighter cake.
- Do not overmix batter; it keeps cake fluffy.
- Cool cake completely before frosting.
- Add a pinch of almond extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a cup of coffee or tea. Fresh berries make it extra special. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It is perfect for parties or casual family desserts.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce drizzle
- A cup of hot chocolate or coffee
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months. Warm slices slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Ina Garten White Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk at room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs Slowly
- Add eggs one at a time. Beat each egg for 20 seconds before next.
Add Flavors
- Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Mix well until smooth.
Combine Flour and Milk
- Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Start and end with flour.
Mix Gently
- Use a spatula to fold mixture gently. Do not overmix or cake will be dense.
Pour Batter into Pans
- Divide batter equally into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix.
Add Vanilla and Cream
- Mix in vanilla and cream. Beat until light, fluffy and spreadable.
Frost the Cake
- Place one layer on plate. Spread frosting evenly. Place second layer on top.
Decorate as Desired
- Add extra frosting on top and sides. Optional: sprinkles or fresh fruits.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for best results.
- Sift flour for a lighter cake.
- Do not overmix batter; it keeps cake fluffy.
- Cool cake completely before frosting.
- Add a pinch of almond extract for extra flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten White Cake
Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Baking powder and liquid may need slight adjustment.
Q2: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, but the cake may be slightly less rich and soft. Whole milk gives the best texture.
Q3: Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Absolutely. Bake, cool and frost a day before. Keep covered at room temperature.
Q4: Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or whipped cream also tastes great. Adjust sweetness to preference.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten White Cake Recipe is soft, fluffy and perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, even for beginners. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can enjoy a bakery-style cake at home.
Follow my tips, serve it with berries or ice cream and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert. Now you know how to make Ina Garten White Cake and delight your friends and family!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!