How many calories are in one slice of White cake?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single piece (1/12 of a 9-inch cake) of plain white cake without frosting typically contains around 264 calories. However, the answer to how many calories are in one slice of White cake can vary significantly based on factors like the type of frosting, slice size, and specific ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a slice of white cake depends heavily on whether it includes frosting and how large the portion is, ranging from approximately 260 for plain cake to over 400 for a large frosted piece. Ingredient variations like butter, sugar, and flour type also play a significant role.

Key Points

Plain White Cake: A standard slice without frosting typically contains around 264 calories.
Frosted White Cake: The calorie count significantly increases with frosting, often exceeding 350-400 calories per slice, depending on the amount and type.
Portion Size Matters: A larger slice naturally has more calories, so controlling serving size is key to managing intake.
Ingredient Impact: Richer ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and extra sugar in frosting add considerable calories.
Healthier Alternatives: Reduce sugar by 25%, use lighter frostings like a glaze or fresh fruit, and substitute healthier fats to lower the calorie total.
Comparison: White cake calories can be comparable to or higher than other popular cakes like carrot or chocolate cake, especially when heavily frosted.

Calorie Breakdown of White Cake

When you slice into a fluffy white cake, the calories come primarily from carbohydrates, fats, and, to a lesser extent, protein. A standard piece of plain white cake, approximately 1/12 of a 9-inch round, contains about 264 calories. The macronutrient distribution for this is roughly 31% fat, 64% carbohydrates, and 6% protein. However, adding frosting, which is dense in sugar and fat, substantially increases this figure. A slice of white cake with vanilla icing can contain 320 to over 400 calories, depending on the serving size and frosting thickness.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

Several factors contribute to the total number of calories in one slice of white cake, making it a highly variable figure. Understanding these can help you better estimate the nutritional impact of your favorite dessert.

The Frosting: This is often the biggest variable. Buttercream frosting, made with a high ratio of butter and powdered sugar, is very calorie-dense. A thin glaze is a much lighter option, while a thick, multiple-layer frosting will dramatically increase the calorie total.
Portion Size: A small, modest slice will always have fewer calories than a large, generous one. A serving defined as 1/12 of a 9-inch cake is a standard, but many people cut larger pieces, especially with homemade cakes. For example, some commercial servings can be over 112 grams, leading to higher counts.
Ingredients: The choice of ingredients can make a difference. Using butter instead of oil, or full-fat milk instead of skim, will increase the fat and calorie content. Similarly, different types of flour or added sweeteners impact the final nutritional profile.
Preparation Method: A homemade cake made from a recipe can be controlled more easily. Substituting ingredients like Greek yogurt or using less sugar can lower the calorie count. In contrast, store-bought or pre-made mixes might contain more sugar, preservatives, and saturated fats, potentially leading to a higher calorie count.

Making Your White Cake a Healthier Indulgence

While white cake is not typically a health food, you can make smarter choices to enjoy it without as much guilt. Simple modifications can reduce the calorie load and add some nutritional value.

Tips for a Lighter White Cake

Reduce the sugar content by up to 25% in the batter; most people will not notice the difference in taste.
Opt for a lighter frosting alternative. Instead of thick buttercream, use a simple glaze of icing sugar and water or a topping of whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Replace some of the fat. Use applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of some butter or oil for added moisture and fewer calories.
Consider using whole wheat flour for part of the recipe to increase the fiber content.
Control your portion size. Stick to a small, single slice rather than a large one.

Comparative Cake Calories

To put the calories of a white cake slice into perspective, here's a comparison table showing the approximate calorie count for standard-sized slices of various cakes based on available nutritional data.


Cake Type	Approximate Calories Per Slice
White Cake (plain)	~264
White Cake (with vanilla icing)	350–414+
Angel Food Cake	~150
Chocolate Cake	300–350
Red Velvet Cake	350–400
Carrot Cake	300–400
Lemon Cake	200–250

Note: All values are approximate and can vary significantly based on ingredients and serving size.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for one slice of white cake can range significantly, but a standard piece of plain cake is approximately 264 calories. The addition of frosting, particularly rich buttercream, is the biggest factor that drives up the calorie count, often into the 350-400+ range. Other variables like slice size and ingredients play important roles. While indulging in a slice of cake is fine in moderation, controlling your portion size and considering lighter versions of frosting or ingredients can help manage your overall calorie intake. As the World Health Organization notes, limiting the intake of free sugars is part of a healthy diet, and being mindful of your cake consumption can support this goal. The key is mindful indulgence rather than complete elimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a plain white cake may be lower in calories than some chocolate cakes, a heavily frosted white cake can contain more calories than a simpler chocolate cake. The ingredients and amount of frosting are more significant than the base flavor.

You can reduce calories by using less sugar, substituting some butter with a lighter option like Greek yogurt or applesauce, or choosing a lighter topping like a simple glaze or fresh fruit instead of heavy buttercream frosting.

Store-bought cakes can sometimes be higher in calories due to standardized recipes that may use more sugar, saturated fats, and preservatives to enhance taste and shelf life. Homemade cakes allow for more control over ingredients.

A standard serving size is often defined as 1/12 of a 9-inch round cake, or approximately 74 grams for a plain slice. Commercial or restaurant slices are often larger and contain more calories.

Yes, sprinkles add a small amount of sugar and calories to the cake. While the effect is minimal, choosing a brand with natural ingredients or using fewer sprinkles can contribute to a slightly lower calorie count.

An angel food cake is generally a healthier option than a white cake. Made primarily from egg whites and no butter or oil, a slice of angel food cake can contain as few as 150 calories, significantly less than a standard slice of white cake.

For a standard 74-gram slice of plain white cake, the calories are composed of roughly 31% fat, 64% carbohydrates, and 6% protein. This balance shifts considerably with the addition of high-fat and high-sugar frosting.