Small Batch WASC Cake

image a slice of cake being cut from a 6-inch layer cake made using a small batch cake recipe

4.94 from 31 ratings

Small Batch WASC Cake

This WASC cake recipe makes the ultimate white cake and is perfect for any special occasion! It has a hint of almond and makes three, perfect six-inch cake layers!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Additional Time1

Total Time1 45

Course: Cakes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16

Calories: 518kcal

Author: Chelsey White

Ingredients

WASC Cake

2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 270g
2 cups granulated sugar 400g
1 1/2 tsp baking powder 6g
1/2 tsp fine salt 3g
2/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 150g - 1 and 1/3 sticks
2/3 cup carton egg whites or 5 large egg whites, room temperature 155g
1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature 255g
1 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil 14g
2 tsp almond extract 8g
gel food coloring if desired

Almond Buttercream Frosting

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature 339g
5 cups powdered sugar 625g
2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, room temperature 30g
2 tsp almond extract 8g
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 4g
1/2 tsp fine salt 3g

Instructions

WASC Cake Layers:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three 6-inch pans with parchment rounds and grease with non-stick baking spray.
Mix together 2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or hand mixer to mix on a low speed until combined.
Mix in 2/3 cup (1 & 1/3 stick) unsalted butter slowly into the dry mix, on a medium-low speed. Continue to mix until no large chunks of butter remain, and the mixture becomes crumbly.
Pour in 2/3 cup or 5 egg whites. If you want to use whole eggs, use 3 large eggs. Mix on low until just incorporated and the batter looks wet.
Mix in 1 cup of sour cream on a low speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
Add in 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil and 2 tsp almond extract. Mix on a medium-low speed for about a minute to make sure everything is mixed together properly.
If desired, add in gel food coloring and stir by hand with a rubber spatula until the batter is evenly colored.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. I like to use a digital kitchen scale to weigh my pans and ensure they all have the same amount of batter. This guarantees the layers will bake to be the same height.
Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the pans cool for 10 minutes, then run a small offset spatula around the perimeter of the pan to separate the cake from the pan.
Place cake layers into the freezer for 30 minutes to accelerate the cooling process. Once the layers are fully cooled, carefully flip the pans and remove the layers.
Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the layers right before you plan to assemble your cake.

Almond Buttercream Frosting:

While the cake layers bake and cool, make the almond buttercream frosting.
Beat 1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter on a medium speed for 30 seconds with a paddle attachment or hand mixer until smooth.
Gradually mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar on a low speed. Halfway through, add in 2 Tbsp of heavy cream or milk to make it easier to mix.
Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula.
Once the frosting is fully mixed and smooth, add in 2 tsp almond extract, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix on the lowest speed for a couple minutes to help make the frosting silky smooth.
If the frosting seems too thick, add in additional cream (1 teaspoon at a time). If the frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar (quarter of a cup at a time). If you're unsure how thick your frosting should be, you can learn what consistency you're looking for in my frosting consistency post.
If you plan to color the buttercream, add in the gel food coloring once the frosting is fully made, and beat on low until it reaches the desired color.

Assembling This 6-Inch WASC Cake:

Stack and frost cake layers on a greaseproof cake board using a dab of frosting to help stick the first cake layer to the board.
Spread an even layer of almond buttercream between each cake layer with a large offset spatula.
Spread a thin coat of frosting around the cake to fully cover the cake layers.
Smooth using a bench scraper, then chill the cake in the fridge (20 minutes) or freezer (10 minutes) until the frosting is firm to the touch.
Add a second, thicker layer of frosting to the cake, and smooth using a bench scraper. Then decorate as desired!

Video

Notes

Recipe Variations

This recipe can also be used to make a sheet cake! One batch will make one, 9 x 13-inch cake that's about 1-inch tall.

One batch of cake batter makes about 1200 grams. If you plan to use three circular cake pans, add 400 grams of batter into each pan.

Tips for Making the Best Small Batch WASC Cake

Ingredients at room temp mix together better! Set out any cold ingredients ahead of time.
Properly measure your flour (spoon into the cup measure, then level). Or better yet, use a kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients.
Use a scale to weigh your cake pans as you fill them. It will make your cake layers bake to the same height and bake more evenly.
Level your room temperature or thawed cake layers with a serrated knife to make them easier to stack.
Chill your cake layers in the freezer for about 20 minutes before assembling the cake. It makes it so much easier to stack and frost them!

Making This 6-Inch WASC Layer Cake in Advance & Storage Tips

Make your cake layers in advance and freeze them. It breaks the process up and makes it more approachable.

Make your frosting ahead of time too or save any leftover frosting! It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to give it a good stir once it thaws to get the consistency nice and smooth again.

A frosted cake can last in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month. The buttercream locks in all the moisture, keeping the cake fresh and delicious!

If you cut into the cake and have leftovers, use any remaining frosting to cover the cut section to keep it moist and store in the fridge for up to a week.

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