13 Elegant White Cake Recipes for Weddings

I still remember the magic of my grandmother’s kitchen during wedding season in our small town. Every summer, she’d whip up towering white cakes for cousins’ big days—fluffy layers draped in pristine buttercream, adorned with fresh flowers. Those cakes weren’t just desserts; they were symbols of celebration, and sneaking a forkful felt like stealing a piece of joy. That nostalgia sparked my love for white cakes, their pure elegance never fading.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, testing recipes for a friend’s intimate wedding last month. From infusing subtle floral notes to perfecting that melt-in-your-mouth texture, I’ve refined 13 variations that scream sophistication without overwhelming complexity. In today’s world of personalized weddings, these white cakes offer versatility—gluten-free options, light flavors for summer nuptials, or rich layers for winter affairs—making them ideal for any bride’s vision.

Timeless Vanilla Layer Cake

This classic starts with 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp baking powder. Cream butter and sugar, fold in egg whites, alternate flour and milk mixtures, then bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes in three 8-inch pans. Frost with vanilla buttercream for a sturdy, three-tier stackable cake.
Its beauty lies in the pure white crumb and stability for tall wedding towers, plus it’s beginner-friendly with a neutral base that pairs with any filling like fresh berries—light, not too sweet, and serves 50 effortlessly.

Zesty Lemon White Velvet Cake

Combine 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup oil, 4 egg whites, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Whip egg whites to soft peaks, gently fold into batter, bake at 350°F for 28 minutes. Fill with lemon curd and frost white.
The citrus brightness cuts richness, offering a refreshing contrast to heavy wedding feasts; it’s velvety soft, naturally white, and adds a sophisticated tangy elegance that’s dairy-light for summer weddings.

Tropical Coconut White Dream Cake

Mix 2 cups cake flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp coconut extract, 2 tsp baking powder. Beat wet and dry separately, fold together, bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Frost with coconut buttercream and toasted flakes.
Light and airy with island vibes, it transports guests; coconut keeps it moist without yellowing the batter, ideal for beach weddings—gluten-adaptable and serves large crowds with exotic yet elegant appeal.

Delicate Almond Blossom Cake

Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup almond paste, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp almond extract, 2 tsp baking powder. Puree almond paste into batter, fold in whites, bake 350°F for 27 minutes. Glaze with white fondant.
Nutty subtlety elevates elegance without overpowering; it’s structurally sound for sculptures, low-sugar option available, and the floral almond note pairs perfectly with wedding florals for a refined, celebratory bite.

Berry Bliss White Cake

Use 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp baking powder, plus 1 cup mixed berry puree for filling. Bake standard layers at 350°F 25 minutes, fill with macerated berries, Swiss meringue buttercream exterior.
Antioxidant-rich berries add pops of flavor and color inside only, keeping the outside pristinely white; it’s juicy yet light, perfect for fruit-forward weddings, boosting health appeal without heaviness.

Lavender Infused Elegance Cake

Blend 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk infused with 2 tbsp dried lavender, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp baking powder. Steep lavender 10 minutes, strain, bake 350°F 26 minutes, frost white chocolate buttercream.
Calming herbal notes evoke romance; anti-stress benefits suit bridal vibes, maintains snowy white hue, and impresses with gourmet flair—easy to scale for rehearsal dinners too.

Rose Petal Romance Cake

Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 cup rose water-milk mix, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp rose extract, 2 tsp baking powder. Incorporate rose elements, bake 350°F 25 minutes, cover in white ganache with petal decor.
Floral romance symbolizes love; hydrating rose keeps cake moist, naturally pink-free for white purity, ideal for vintage weddings—visually stunning and subtly perfumed.

Sparkling Champagne White Cake

Mix 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup champagne, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla. Reduce champagne slightly, fold into batter, bake 350°F 28 minutes, frost with champagne buttercream.
Bubbly sophistication toasts the occasion; alcohol cooks off for all-ages, adds lightness and festive fizz—perfect showstopper for toasts, with golden undertones hidden under white perfection.

White Chocolate Whisper Cake

Combine 2 1/3 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, 8 oz melted white chocolate, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp baking powder. Cool chocolate fully before folding, bake 350°F 27 minutes, ganache top.
Silky richness without heaviness; white chocolate ensures ultra-pale batter, melts luxuriously—great for chocolate lovers at formal weddings, stable for intricate piping.

Strawberry Shortcake Elegance

Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 cups macerated strawberries for layers. Bake fluffy layers 350°F 25 minutes, whipped cream frosting.
Fresh, summery lightness; strawberries add natural sweetness and moisture, keeping all-white aesthetic—budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing for outdoor weddings.

Orange Blossom Delight Cake

Use 2 cups cake flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 cup orange blossom water-milk, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tsp baking powder. Infuse gently, bake 350°F 26 minutes, white citrus buttercream.
Citrus-floral perfume delights senses; evokes spring gardens, stays brilliantly white, hydrates beautifully—exotic twist for Mediterranean-inspired weddings.

Vanilla Bean Specks of Joy Cake

Mix 2 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, 4 egg whites, seeds from 2 vanilla beans, 2 tsp baking powder. Scrape beans in, bake 350°F 25 minutes, vanilla bean buttercream.
Premium specks add visual luxury; intense natural flavor elevates simplicity, foolproof for amateurs—timeless, scalable for any wedding size.

Pearl Dust Ombre White Cake

Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup shortening for stability, 4 egg whites, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 tsp baking powder. Bake even layers 350°F 27 minutes, gradient white buttercream with pearl dust.
Subtle ombre shimmer mimics pearls; shortening ensures carve-ability for shapes, all-white purity shines—professional look achievable at home for DIY brides.

These 13 elegant white cake recipes are your secret to crafting wedding desserts that wow without the stress—pick your favorite flavors, scale up, and create memories sweeter than the cake itself. Grab your apron and start baking today!