There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and comforting about a vanilla cake that’s perfectly moist, tender, and full of rich flavor. And if you’ve ever had a slice of the legendary white cake from Costco, you know exactly what we mean. Costco’s vanilla sheet cake has become a staple for birthdays, celebrations, and special events, praised for its smooth, fluffy crumb and balanced sweetness. But what if you could make a copycat Costco vanilla cake at home – and make it just as delicious?
In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed, foolproof recipe for recreating that famous Costco vanilla white cake, along with frosting and decorating tips. Whether you’re searching for cakes for a party, a show-stopping birthday dessert, or just a new go-to vanilla cake recipe, this one is for you.
We’ll also touch on some interesting cake comparisons, like the Nordstrom cake, Walmart cake recipe, and even regional specialties like the Cleveland Cassata cake, to show how this vanilla classic holds up across different favorites. Plus, for those with a sweet tooth beyond cakes, we’ve got ideas for using the batter to make vanilla cake cookies and other creative twists.
Why Everyone Loves Costco’s White Cake
Costco’s vanilla white cake is not just any cake. It’s famous for a few key reasons:
- Texture: Light and fluffy, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Flavor: A subtle yet rich vanilla taste that’s not overpoweringly sweet.
- Frosting: That whipped vanilla mousse frosting is everything—creamy, not too sugary, and incredibly smooth.
- Serving size: Great for big gatherings, making it one of the best cakes for a party.
Let’s recreate this iconic dessert with ingredients you can find easily and a process simple enough for home bakers of any skill level.
Copycat Costco Vanilla Cake Recipe
Ingredientes
For the White Cake:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (sifted for lightness)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup sour cream (adds moisture!)
For the Vanilla Mousse Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 colher de chá de extrato de baunilha
Optional Filling:
- ½ cup seedless raspberry jam or vanilla custard (for a nod to the Cleveland Cassata Cake)
Instruções
1. Pré-aquecer e Preparar
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with a stand mixer (or hand mixer) until light and fluffy—about 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for a moist and tender crumb.
4. Add the Egg Whites and Vanilla
Beat in the egg whites one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine with Milk and Sour Cream
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry. Stir in the sour cream last. Do not overmix—just enough to combine.
6. Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting the Cake
To make the whipped vanilla mousse frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Slowly drizzle in the cold whipping cream while beating until stiff peaks form.
This frosting is rich, smooth, and perfect for a classic white cake Costco lovers will recognize instantly.
Assembly
- Level your cake layers if needed.
- Spread a layer of jam or custard (if using) between the layers.
- Frost the cake evenly with your vanilla mousse.
- Decorate simply with swirls, sprinkles, or even fresh berries if desired.
Flavor and Texture – The Magic of Vanilla White Cake
The term vanilla white cake refers to cakes that use egg whites instead of yolks to maintain a bright, snowy color while still delivering a rich vanilla taste. This gives the cake its signature “white” appearance and soft, spongy texture.
Our recipe uses cake flour e creme de leite to create a tender crumb, making it an ideal white pound cake recipe base as well. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—vanilla cake, when done right, is the queen of desserts.
Variações e Personalizações
The beauty of this copycat Costco vanilla cake recipe is that it’s versatile and forgiving. Here are a few ways to get creative:
1. Vanilla Cake Cookies
Spoon dollops of the batter onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Frost with a dollop of mousse. These soft cookies taste like mini cakes – perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
2. Layered Birthday Cake
Add colored sprinkles into the batter for a funfetti effect. Use colored frosting between layers for a festive surprise.
3. Nordstrom Cake Inspiration
Add a thin layer of raspberry or lemon curd between layers to mimic the layered fruit-forward styles found in Nordstrom cakes.
4. White Pound Cake Recipe Twist
Slightly reduce the milk and increase the butter for a denser texture. Bake in a loaf pan for a rich pound cake version.
5. Walmart Cake Recipe vs. Costco Copycat
Enquanto Walmart cakes are known for their super sweet buttercream, this recipe sticks with the light mousse frosting that Costco fans prefer. But if you love sweeter frosting, you can easily substitute or add more sugar.
A Look at Regional Favorites – Cleveland Cassata Cake
O Cleveland Cassata Cake is a local treasure—a layered yellow sponge with custard, strawberries, and whipped cream. You can nod to this by filling your vanilla cake with pastry cream and berries. It’s a beautiful hybrid of Italian influence and Midwestern comfort food.
It’s no wonder this regional dessert is gaining popularity outside Ohio, and our vanilla white cake makes a perfect base for experimentation.
Tips for Success – Making Your Cake Moist and Bakery-Worthy
To achieve the best cake recipes moist enough to rival bakery standards, remember these tips:
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly.
- Não overmix the batter once you add flour—this can make the cake dense.
- Sour cream or yogurt boosts moisture without making the cake heavy.
- Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer—many home ovens run hot or cold.
- Chill before frosting to reduce crumbs and help the frosting set smoothly.
Storing and Freezing
This cake stores beautifully. Here’s how:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
- Make ahead tip: You can make the mousse frosting a day in advance, just whip it briefly again before use.
Serving Ideas – Perfect Cakes for a Party
Need cakes for a party or big event? This recipe scales well. You can double it to make a large sheet cake (just like Costco’s half-sheet cakes!) or cut into mini squares for dessert platters.
Pair it with:
- Fresh fruit platters
- Mini chocolate cupcakes for contrast
- Vanilla cake cookies in matching frosting colors
Final Thoughts: Better Than Store-Bought?
Whether you’re trying to save money, control ingredients, or just love baking, this copycat Costco vanilla cake gives you that classic bakery experience at home.
It brings together the best aspects of a vanilla white cake, the moisture of a white pound cake recipe, and the party-readiness of a Walmart cake recipe, all while letting you enjoy the nostalgic flavor you’ve come to love from Costco.
So next time you’re craving a slice of celebration, skip the store and try this recipe. It might just become your new favorite.
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