Moist White Cake with Vanilla Glaze and Nut Topping
A good white cake should be soft, tender, and quietly rich without feeling heavy. This Moist White Cake with Vanilla Glaze and Nut Topping delivers exactly that. It has a delicate crumb, clean vanilla flavor, and just enough sweetness to feel special without overpowering. The smooth vanilla glaze sinks slightly into the warm cake, while the nut topping adds texture and a gentle crunch that balances every bite.
This cake is perfect for everyday baking, afternoon tea, celebrations, or as a simple dessert that feels polished. It comes together with pantry staples, bakes evenly, and stays moist for days. Whether you serve it plain, dressed up with fruit, or alongside coffee, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake
All-purpose flour: 2½ cups
Baking powder: 2½ teaspoons
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter: ¾ cup, softened
Granulated sugar: 1¾ cups
Eggs: 4 large, room temperature
Milk: 1 cup, room temperature
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
For the Vanilla Glaze
Powdered sugar: 1½ cups
Milk or cream: 2–3 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
For the Nut Topping
Chopped almonds or walnuts: ½ cup
Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted
Sugar: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan or similar size pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, mix chopped nuts with melted butter and sugar, then lightly toast in a skillet until fragrant.
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, drizzle over the warm cake, sprinkle with nut topping, and let cool before slicing.
Tips
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to create a lighter crumb.
Measure flour correctly to avoid a dense cake.
Mix gently after adding flour to prevent toughness.
Check doneness early to avoid overbaking.
Glaze the cake while slightly warm so it absorbs better.
Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor.
Let the cake cool before slicing for clean edges.
Store covered to maintain moisture.
Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Variations
Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrus note.
Replace nuts with shredded coconut for a softer topping.
Use almond extract alongside vanilla for depth.
Bake in two round pans for a layer cake.
Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
Swap milk with buttermilk for tanginess.
Top with fresh berries before serving.
Make it dairy-free using plant-based butter and milk.
Add a cinnamon pinch to the nut topping.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Q & A
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it stays moist for up to 3 days when covered.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze unglazed slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why is my cake dry?
It may have been overbaked or overmixed.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce it, but texture may change.
What nuts work best?
Almonds and walnuts both work well.
Can I skip the nut topping?
Yes, the cake is delicious with glaze alone.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter gives better flavor, but oil will keep it moist.
How do I know it’s fully baked?
A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I use cake flour?
Yes, it will make the crumb even softer.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Nutrition
(Per Slice, Approximate)
Calories: 340
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Sugar: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
This Moist White Cake with Vanilla Glaze and Nut Topping is a simple, reliable dessert that feels elegant without effort. The soft crumb, smooth glaze, and crunchy topping work together beautifully, making it suitable for both everyday treats and special occasions. Once you bake it, it’s likely to become a go-to recipe that earns compliments every time it’s served.