How Many Calories Are In A White Cake? A Detailed Guide

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single piece of white cake without frosting contains approximately 264 calories. The exact amount, however, can vary significantly depending on the recipe, portion size, and whether it is topped with rich, sugary frosting.

Quick Summary

This article details the average caloric content of white cake slices, exploring how frosting, ingredients, and portion size influence the final count. Includes comparisons and tips for healthier versions.

Key Points

Frosting is the Main Factor: The calorie count of white cake is primarily driven by the type and amount of frosting used, with buttercream adding significantly more calories than a lighter whipped icing.
Base Cake Calories: A plain, unfrosted slice of white cake (approximately 74g) contains around 264 calories.
Significant Calorie Range: A slice of white cake can range from under 300 calories (lightly frosted) to over 400 calories (richly frosted with add-ins).
Portion Size Matters: Calorie control can be managed by simply cutting smaller slices, as a larger portion size directly correlates with higher calorie intake.
Healthier Swaps are Possible: Replacing ingredients like butter and oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt, and using alternative sweeteners, can produce a lower-calorie version.
Comparative Insights: A calorie comparison shows that white cake with rich frosting is on par with, or even higher in calories than, many chocolate, red velvet, or carrot cake varieties.

The question of how many calories are in a white cake has a few different answers, as the final count is heavily dependent on how the cake is prepared and served. A simple, unfrosted slice is vastly different from one topped with a generous amount of rich buttercream, and understanding these differences is key for anyone watching their intake. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical calorie ranges, explores the factors that influence the final number, and provides helpful tips for making a lighter, still-delicious version of this classic dessert.

The Calorie Breakdown of White Cake

A standard slice of white cake can have a wide range of calories. The key distinction lies in whether it includes frosting or not, and the type of frosting used. For example, a 74-gram piece (or 1/12 of a 9-inch cake) of plain, unfrosted white cake is reported to contain around 264 calories. This makes the cake base itself a moderately caloric dessert, with the majority of the energy coming from carbohydrates and fats.

When you add frosting, the calorie count rises dramatically. The type and amount of frosting are the main variables. A typical slice of white cake with frosting can push the total to over 300 calories, with some versions reaching 400 calories or more depending on how rich the frosting is. Buttercream frosting, made with a high proportion of butter and sugar, is particularly calorie-dense. A slice of white cake with a simple whipped icing, for instance, might contain about 320 calories, while one with richer buttercream could contain 350 calories or higher.

White Cake Calorie Variations

Different recipes and preparations lead to different calorie totals. Here are some examples of white cake variations and their approximate calorie counts:

White Cake without Frosting (Homemade): Approximately 264 calories per 1/12 slice (74g).
White Cake with Whipped Icing: Approximately 320 calories per slice.
White Cake with Buttercream Icing: Approximately 350 calories per slice.
White Cake with Coconut Frosting (Homemade): Approximately 399 calories per slice.

Factors Influencing White Cake's Calorie Count

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of your white cake. Being aware of these can help you better manage your intake.

Frosting: As highlighted, this is the biggest variable. More sugary, buttery, and generous frosting means more calories. A light glaze or a thin layer of whipped cream will be significantly lower in calories than a thick, rich layer of traditional buttercream.
Ingredients: The ingredients in the cake batter itself matter. Using full-fat dairy, extra butter, or more sugar will increase the calorie count. Conversely, swapping some of these ingredients for lower-fat alternatives or sugar substitutes can reduce calories.
Portion Size: This is arguably the most important factor for overall consumption. A small, modest slice will always be a better choice than a larger, more generous one. If a slice is a 1/12 portion, a larger 1/10 portion will naturally contain more calories.
Add-ins and Toppings: Extra flourishes like sprinkles, chocolate shavings, nuts, or edible decorations all add to the total calorie count. While they may seem small, they can add up quickly.

White Cake vs. Other Popular Cakes: A Calorie Comparison

Comparing white cake to other popular types can put its nutritional profile into perspective. The following table provides a comparison based on typical recipes and serving sizes.


Cake Type	Estimated Calories Per Slice	Key Calorie Contributors
White Cake (with Buttercream)	~350 calories	Refined flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and rich frosting.
Vanilla Cake (Homemade)	~250–300 calories	Similar to white cake, but often includes egg yolks which can affect density and calories.
Chocolate Cake (Homemade)	~300–350 calories	Richness comes from cocoa powder, chocolate, sugar, and fat.
Red Velvet Cake	~350–400 calories	Cocoa powder, buttermilk, and high-calorie cream cheese frosting.
Carrot Cake	~300–400 calories	Despite vegetables, calories add up from cream cheese frosting, nuts, and oil.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie White Cake

For those who enjoy white cake but want to reduce its caloric impact, several modifications can be made without sacrificing flavor.

Use Applesauce or Yogurt: Replace some or all of the oil or butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. This adds moisture while significantly reducing fat and calories.
Modify the Frosting: Opt for a lighter topping. A simple fruit glaze made from fruit puree and a touch of sweetener, or a whipped cream frosting, is much lower in calories than traditional buttercream. A low-calorie option is a cream cheese and powdered erythritol frosting.
Substitute Sugar: While not calorie-free, using a sugar substitute like Splenda, erythritol, or xylitol in the batter and frosting can lower the overall sugar and calorie content.
Incorporate Protein Powder: For a health-conscious twist, some recipes suggest using vanilla protein powder in combination with other ingredients like coconut flour and almond milk to create a low-calorie, high-protein version.
Control Portions: Cut the cake into smaller slices. If a recipe is meant to yield 12 slices, cutting it into 16 smaller portions is an easy way to reduce the calories per serving without changing the recipe at all.

Conclusion

The calorie content of a white cake is not a fixed number but a variable influenced by preparation, portion size, and, most importantly, the type of frosting. A plain slice is a moderate treat, while a heavily frosted piece is a high-calorie indulgence. By understanding the factors involved and exploring healthier preparation methods, it's possible to enjoy white cake in a way that fits your dietary goals. For accurate nutritional information for your specific ingredients, consulting a reliable database is always a good idea. For instance, the US Department of Agriculture provides comprehensive data on thousands of foods.

Resources

USDA FoodData Central - A database of nutritional information for thousands of foods, including many cake types.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small slice of white cake with chocolate frosting will have a higher calorie count than a plain white cake. While specific values vary, you can expect the calorie count to be similar to a heavily frosted white cake, likely in the range of 300 to 400 calories per slice, depending on the richness of the frosting and the size of the slice.

Not necessarily. A simple white cake might have fewer calories than a rich chocolate cake, but the difference is often marginal. The frosting is the biggest caloric factor for both. A white cake with heavy buttercream frosting can have more calories than a chocolate cake with a lighter glaze.

For a lower-calorie option, consider a light whipped cream frosting, a simple fruit glaze, or a protein-enhanced cream cheese frosting made with sugar substitutes. These are all significantly less caloric than traditional buttercream.

Yes, using only egg whites is a common method for reducing calories and fat in a white cake. This is because all the fat and cholesterol are concentrated in the yolk, leaving the whites as a low-calorie protein source.

To lower the calories in a box mix, you can use unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to replace the oil and use a lower-calorie frosting, such as a whipped cream topping. Following these steps helps reduce the fat content substantially.

White cake is traditionally made with only egg whites, resulting in a whiter, lighter crumb. Yellow cake uses whole eggs (whites and yolks), which imparts a richer, denser texture and color. The egg yolks slightly increase the fat and calorie content of a yellow cake compared to a white cake of the same size.

Yes, white cake provides a source of quick energy primarily from its high carbohydrate content (from flour and sugar). It contains fats that also contribute to energy. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.