White cake vs. Vanilla cake
Most people would not know that there was a real difference between what white cake is and what vanilla cake is. In fact many are shocked to find out that not all white is in fact vanilla. Even though the colors are the same to those who are going to consume the cake, the bakers understand that there are minor differences in the two. White and vanilla cakes are in fact created from the same ingredients, only the amount of how much is added changes between the two. Food coloring can often change the color of the cake and can make a vanilla cake appear whiter or a white cake appear any other color the baker chooses to make it. While the color and flavor differences are minimal many people have preferences of what kind of cakes they feel go well with certain types of icing, it is all a matter of personal choice. Both white cake and vanilla cake can be made into a large cake or even small cupcakes, perfect for all occasions.
White and vanilla cakes share similar ingredients in the mixture. Both use eggs or egg whites, sugar, and butter. If desired vanilla can be added for flavoring, and flour and baking power will help make the cake rise after they are baked for 20 to 30 minutes.
Vanilla in a large enough amounts can actually turn a cake yellowish in tint and fool unsuspecting eaters. Vanilla cakes can be made with either egg yolks or without, but it is made with all the same ingredients as a white cake with vanilla extract in the mixture. It is said that vanilla cakes are used more in wedding cake mixtures as opposed to white cake. White cake is typically made white through the use of only egg whites and not the egg in its entirety. Store bought mixtures will actually include bleached white powder to ensure that a white cake will be white after it is baked.
Having a white and vanilla cake do have minor differences in baking, however to enjoy the cakes they appear similar and taste almost the same. These differences do not come in the way of having a either cakes or cupcakes.
Summary
White and vanilla cake are created from the same ingredients, the only difference is more of certain ingredients or food coloring added before the baking process.
White and vanilla cakes are made with common ingredients: eggs, baking powder, flour, sugar, and butter. To make a vanilla cake, vanilla extract is used in the mixture as well.
The more vanilla in a cake the more yellow a vanilla cake will turn. A white cake should be made with only egg whites so as not to turn the color of the cake with the yolk.
The icing of a cake will depend on the type and flavor of the cake. Vanilla cake is often used with vanilla icing, white cake pairs with any flavor or color of icing.