How many calories in a plain cake without frosting?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Nutritionix, a single slice of plain white cake, without any frosting, contains approximately 264 calories. However, the number of calories in a plain cake without frosting can vary significantly based on its size, density, and ingredients, with a homemade slice often ranging between 150 and 350 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a plain cake hinges on its specific type, portion size, and ingredients. A standard slice of vanilla, sponge, or chocolate plain cake typically contains between 150 and 350 calories, substantially less than its frosted counterpart. The caloric breakdown primarily comes from the flour, sugar, and fat.

Key Points

Average Range: A standard slice of plain vanilla cake typically contains between 150 and 350 calories, depending on the size and density.
Less Than Frosted: Excluding frosting significantly reduces the calorie count, saving 50 to 150 or more calories per slice.
Sponge vs. Vanilla: A light sponge cake (around 150-200 kcal/slice) is generally less caloric than a vanilla butter cake (around 180-230 kcal/slice).
Chocolate Variance: A 95-gram slice of plain chocolate cake typically has more calories (around 352 kcal) than a plain vanilla slice due to the cocoa and fat content.
Ingredient Impact: The specific recipe, including the type of flour, sugar, and fat, can heavily influence the final calorie total of any plain cake.
Homemade Calculation: To calculate calories for a homemade cake, sum the calories of all ingredients and divide by the number of servings.
Moderation is Key: Despite being lower in calories than frosted cakes, plain cakes are still high in simple carbs and sugar, so they should be consumed in moderation.

Calorie Breakdown for Different Plain Cakes

Determining the exact calorie count of a plain cake can be tricky, as recipes and portion sizes differ. However, by looking at standard measurements and common cake types, it's possible to create a reliable estimate. The key ingredients influencing calories are flour, sugar, eggs, and fat (butter or oil). The absence of frosting is the most significant factor in reducing the overall calorie load.

Plain Vanilla Cake

A classic homemade vanilla cake, served plain, is one of the more common types. On average, a 60-gram slice is estimated to contain between 180 and 230 calories. A larger or denser slice could push this closer to 250-300 calories. These figures assume a standard recipe using flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter or oil.

Plain Sponge Cake

Sponge cake is known for its light, airy texture, and its calorie count reflects this. Per 100 grams, a sponge cake without icing averages around 289 calories. A single, lighter slice (around 60 grams) might fall into the 150-200 calorie range. The recipe's fat content is a primary determinant here; a traditional sponge relies on air beaten into eggs rather than excessive fat.

Plain Chocolate Cake

For those who prefer a cocoa-rich treat, a plain chocolate cake can be slightly more calorically dense than its vanilla counterpart due to the addition of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. A standard 95-gram slice of chocolate cake without frosting is estimated to have approximately 352 calories. This can vary, as some recipes are richer in butter or oil.

Factors Influencing Plain Cake Calories

Several factors can alter the calorie count of a plain cake:

Serving Size: A smaller, 60-gram slice will have far fewer calories than a larger, 100-gram slice. A standard commercial slice is typically between 60 and 95 grams, but homemade slices are often larger.
Ingredients: Substituting ingredients can have a significant impact. Using oil instead of butter can change the fat profile. Likewise, using sugar substitutes or whole wheat flour will alter the overall nutritional breakdown. Angel food cake, made with egg whites and no fat, is one of the lowest-calorie options, at around 70-100 calories per slice.
Density: The density of the cake affects the portion size. A dense pound cake will pack more calories into a smaller slice compared to a light and fluffy sponge cake.
Add-ins: While we're discussing plain cake, any added mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit will increase the calorie count. A plain batter with no extras is the leanest option.

Comparison Table: Calories in Plain Cake vs. Frosted Cake

The most dramatic difference in calories comes from comparing a plain cake to its frosted version. Here is a simple comparison to illustrate the impact of frosting, based on average figures.


Cake Type (Standard Slice)	Estimated Calories (Plain)	Estimated Calories (Frosted)	Difference (Approx.)
Vanilla Cake	180-230 kcal	250-350 kcal	+70 to +120 kcal
Chocolate Cake	352 kcal	300-400 kcal (mix)	+50 to +100+ kcal
Sponge Cake	150-200 kcal	250-300 kcal (with jam/cream)	+100 to +150+ kcal

This table highlights that frosting can easily add 50-150 or more calories to a single slice, making the plain version a considerably lighter dessert option.

How to Estimate Calories for Homemade Cake

For those baking at home, calculating the calorie count can be more precise. It involves a three-step process:

List and Measure Ingredients: Compile a list of every ingredient and its exact weight. Use a digital kitchen scale for accuracy.
Find Calorie Content: Look up the calorie content for each ingredient using a trusted food database. Calculate the total calories for the entire recipe.
Calculate Per-Slice Calories: Once the cake is baked, you can divide the total calorie count by the number of slices you plan to cut. For better accuracy, weigh the entire cake and then weigh a single slice to get a precise proportion.

Health Considerations for Plain Cake

While a plain cake is a lower-calorie alternative, it's important to remember that it is still a dessert, high in simple carbohydrates and sugar. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Some potential drawbacks include:

High Sugar Content: Most plain cake recipes are high in sugar, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Refined Flour: Many cakes use refined all-purpose flour, which provides little fiber or nutritional value.

However, there are also some positives, especially when consumed mindfully. For example, a slice of cake can boost mood by increasing serotonin levels. Moreover, some recipes can be made healthier with whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners, or by adding fruits and nuts.

Conclusion

For those wondering how many calories are in a plain cake without frosting, the answer is that it's a lighter indulgence compared to its frosted counterpart, typically ranging from 150 to 350 calories per slice depending on the type and size. Choosing a plain cake over a frosted one can save a significant number of calories. By being mindful of serving size and ingredients, you can enjoy a slice of plain cake as an occasional treat while being calorie-conscious. For precise nutritional information on many foods, including various cakes, reputable sources like the USDA FoodData Central are recommended.

Optional Outbound Link: USDA FoodData Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a plain cake will almost always have significantly fewer calories than a frosted one. Frosting is typically made with large amounts of sugar and fat, adding 50 to 150 or more calories per slice.

You can reduce calories by using healthier substitutes like applesauce or yogurt instead of some of the fat, incorporating natural sweeteners, or opting for whole wheat flour.

Angel food cake is one of the lowest-calorie plain cake options. It is made primarily from egg whites and contains no added fat, resulting in a slice with as few as 70-100 calories.

Plain cake is not a health food and is best enjoyed in moderation. While it can be lower in calories than frosted versions, it is still high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Portion size is a huge factor. A larger slice will naturally have more calories. For instance, a small 60-gram slice might have 150 calories, while a larger 100-gram slice of the same cake could be well over 250 calories.

No, they can differ significantly. Homemade cakes allow for precise ingredient control, but can also be much richer. Store-bought cakes, especially from a mix, have standardized nutritional information but may include preservatives and different fats.

Yes, you can use general nutritional data from food databases for typical cake recipes. However, for a precise count, you would need to know the specific ingredients and portion sizes, as estimates can be a broad average.