How many calories in a white cake with buttercream frosting?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A slice of store-bought white cake with buttercream frosting can contain an average of 300 to 450 calories, with homemade versions varying based on ingredients. Understanding the calorie count for a white cake with buttercream frosting is crucial for those mindful of their dessert intake.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the approximate calorie count of a white cake with buttercream frosting, exploring how variables like slice size, recipe modifications, and homemade versus store-bought preparations affect the nutritional profile. It provides a comprehensive guide for managing dessert consumption.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A slice of white cake with buttercream frosting can range from approximately 300 to over 450 calories, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Frosting is Key: Buttercream frosting is a significant calorie contributor, with a two-tablespoon serving potentially adding over 140 calories to the total.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade cakes offer more control over calorie content through ingredient choice, while commercial versions have more predictable, but often higher, calorie profiles.
Portion Control is Crucial: The size of your slice is the most impactful factor in determining the total calories consumed.
Healthier Alternatives: For a lower-calorie dessert, alternatives like Angel Food Cake offer a lighter option compared to rich layer cakes.

Decoding the Calories in Your White Cake

Pinpointing the exact number of calories in a white cake with buttercream frosting can be tricky because it is not a standardized product. The total can fluctuate significantly depending on a variety of factors, from the size of the slice to the specific recipe used for both the cake and the frosting. For example, commercial bakery products often have different nutritional profiles than homemade recipes due to variations in ingredient quality and quantity. The frosting, which is typically rich in butter and powdered sugar, is a major contributor to the overall calorie count.

The Calorie Components: Cake vs. Frosting

The total calorie count of your white cake with buttercream frosting is the sum of its parts. A typical slice of plain white cake (without frosting) is estimated to have around 264 calories, based on a 1/12 slice of a 9-inch cake. However, this can change if the recipe uses more sugar, eggs, or butter. The frosting, made from a combination of butter, powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract, adds a substantial number of calories. A two-tablespoon serving of homemade buttercream can contain around 140 to 147 calories. Given that a cake is generously covered with frosting, the total can add up quickly.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Calorie Comparison

There is a notable difference in the calorie counts between homemade and store-bought cakes. Commercial bakeries often use different ingredients and formulations to ensure a longer shelf life and consistent product, which can impact the nutritional value. Many store-bought cakes have higher amounts of sugar and fat to enhance flavor and texture. On the other hand, when you bake at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, which allows for some calorie-conscious adjustments. You can reduce sugar, use a lighter frosting recipe, or even incorporate healthier substitutions like applesauce to lower the overall caloric load.

Factors Influencing Calorie Totals

Several variables affect the final calorie count of your frosted white cake:

Portion Size: This is the most significant factor. A smaller slice will, of course, have fewer calories. Most nutritional labels are based on a standardized serving size, but your serving at home may be larger.
Ingredients: The type of flour, fat (butter vs. shortening or oil), and sugar used all play a role. Using whole milk or heavy cream in the frosting will increase calories compared to using a non-fat alternative.
Decoration: Extra frosting, sprinkles, or filling between the layers will increase the final count. A two-tiered cake with more filling will be more calorie-dense than a single-layer cake.
Baking Method: Some baking methods, like using a boxed mix and a diet soda instead of eggs and oil, can result in a lower-calorie cake.

Calorie Comparison: White Cake vs. Other Desserts

To put the calories of a white cake with buttercream frosting into perspective, let's compare it to other popular desserts. This helps in making informed decisions about your treats.


Item	Serving Size (Approximate)	Approximate Calories
White Cake with Buttercream	1 standard slice	300-450
Angel Food Cake	1 slice (2.0 oz)	150
Brownie	1 small piece (1.1 oz)	152
Chocolate Cake	1 piece (4.4 oz)	432
Cheesecake	1 small slice (2.8 oz)	262

As the table shows, a standard slice of white cake with buttercream tends to be on the higher end of the calorie spectrum compared to other common desserts. This is primarily due to the richness of the buttercream and the density of the cake itself. However, options like Angel Food Cake present a much lighter alternative for those seeking a lower-calorie sweet.

Conclusion: The Sweet Reality of White Cake Calories

Ultimately, the number of calories in a white cake with buttercream frosting is not a single, fixed number but a range. While commercial options can provide a precise nutritional label, homemade versions require a more thoughtful approach to estimation. A single slice can range from roughly 300 to over 450 calories depending on the recipe and serving size. Key factors include the ratio of cake to frosting, the ingredients used, and the portion consumed. By understanding these variables and comparing them to other dessert options, you can make a more mindful choice when indulging in this classic treat. For detailed, verified nutritional data, checking resources like the USDA's food database or reliable calorie counting apps can be helpful.

By being aware of what contributes to the overall calorie count, you can enjoy your slice of white cake with buttercream frosting in a balanced and informed way. Moderation and portion control are key, whether you are enjoying a homemade slice or a bakery-bought treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a standard white cake with a generous amount of buttercream frosting is generally higher in calories than lighter options like Angel Food Cake or a plain pound cake due to the rich sugar and butter content of the frosting.

To reduce calories, you can opt for a smaller slice, use a reduced-sugar or less-rich frosting recipe, substitute some butter with applesauce in the cake batter, or choose a lighter frosting like whipped cream instead of traditional buttercream.

No, the calorie count varies widely based on the specific recipe, the ratio of cake to frosting, the size of the cake, and the thickness of the frosting layer. A small slice from a homemade recipe will likely have a different calorie count than a large bakery slice.

While both contribute, the frosting often adds a significant portion of the calories. Buttercream, made from powdered sugar and butter, is especially calorie-dense, often outweighing the caloric contribution of the cake itself, particularly if applied generously.

Portion size is the most significant determinant of calorie count. A small, thin slice will have a much lower calorie count than a thick, tall slice from the same cake. Standard nutritional information is based on a specific serving size, which may not match what you typically eat.

Not necessarily, but homemade cakes allow for more control over ingredients and portion size. You can choose to use less sugar and higher-quality ingredients, which can result in a healthier or lower-calorie cake compared to some commercial varieties that contain preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup.

Yes, apps like MyFitnessPal or Lose It! have large databases that include many commercial and user-submitted food items, including cakes. However, it is important to remember that user-submitted data may not always be perfectly accurate for your specific cake.