There are few things in the baking world more comforting than a freshly baked Yellow Cake. With its rich, buttery crumb, golden color, and sweet vanilla aroma, it’s the kind of classic treat that has delighted generations—whether for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you felt like indulging a little. This recipe delivers everything you crave from a homemade Yellow Cake: tender texture, just-right sweetness, and that nostalgic flavor that instantly brings a smile. Let’s make something special together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this yellow cake is chosen for a reason—they each play a starring role in achieving that perfect simplicity. Grab these pantry staples and get ready to see how just a handful of items can create irresistible, golden-layer perfection.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, flour gives structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
- Baking powder: This lifts the cake, ensuring beautiful rise and a light texture.
- Salt: A pinch brings balance and allows the cake’s sweet, buttery notes to shine without overwhelming.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): The hero for flavor and moisture—make sure it’s soft for best creaming results.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps tenderize, giving a lovely soft bite.
- Large eggs (room temperature): These add richness and help emulsify the batter for an even texture.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t skip this: real vanilla makes the flavor sing and deepens that classic cake aroma.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Adds moisture and helps create that soft, fluffy crumb we all love in a Yellow Cake.
How to Make Yellow Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F first, so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Take two 9-inch round cake pans, grease them thoroughly, and then dust with flour—or line with parchment for extra insurance. This step helps your Yellow Cake release easily after baking, making for neat, beautiful layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only combines them evenly (so you avoid surprise pockets of baking powder) but also aerates the mixture a bit, helping the cake bake up fluffier.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl. You’ll want to mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and almost billowy—this step is key for creating a light, even Yellow Cake crumb.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract. Doing this gradually ensures the eggs incorporate smoothly, for a silky batter and no scrambling.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the whisked flour mixture to your creamed batter in three parts, alternating each time with the whole milk. Start and finish with the flour—this little technique helps prevent overmixing and keeps your cake tender. Mix gently and stop as soon as there are no dry streaks left in the bowl.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter between your prepared pans and smooth the tops for even layers. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Wait until they’re completely cool before frosting—this prevents melting and ensures a picture-perfect final Yellow Cake.
How to Serve Yellow Cake
Garnishes
A freshly frosted Yellow Cake is a treat in itself, but don’t be shy with those finishing flourishes! Chocolate curls, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar elevate both looks and flavor. You can even top with berries for a welcome pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic and pair slices of Yellow Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. Strong coffee or a fruity tea are wonderful for balancing the cake’s sweetness and making dessert feel just a touch more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Yellow Cake into cupcakes for individual servings, or stack the layers tall and finish with a dramatic chocolate drizzle for a showstopper. For parties, cut the cakes into cubes and serve them as part of a trifle layered with fruit and cream. The options are endlessly fun and absolutely crowd-pleasing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Yellow Cake stays utterly delicious when stored properly. Keep slices or the whole frosted cake covered at room temperature for up to three days—just make sure it’s airtight so the crumb stays moist and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or save extra, Yellow Cake freezes brilliantly. Wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Individual slices can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their “just baked” aroma and texture. If you’ve frozen your cake, let it thaw completely first, then reheat as desired if you want that lovely warmth.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Yellow Cake and white cake?
Yellow Cake uses whole eggs and butter, giving it a rich, golden hue and a more tender texture, while white cake typically uses only egg whites and a lighter fat, resulting in a paler color and a finer crumb.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk delivers the best flavor and moisture, but you can swap in 2% milk in a pinch; just note the cake may be slightly less rich and tender.
Why do my cakes sometimes turn out dry?
Dry Yellow Cake can be caused by overbaking, mismeasuring ingredients, or overmixing the batter. Always check doneness early, use proper measuring techniques, and mix just until combined for moist results.
Is it okay to add other flavorings or mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add a touch of almond extract, swirl in fruit preserves, or stir in chocolate chips—the Yellow Cake recipe is a great canvas for your creativity.
Can I bake this recipe as a sheet cake?
Yes, you can! Just pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F, checking for doneness around 30-35 minutes. It’s a perfect way to serve a crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up slices of this homemade Yellow Cake—the aroma, the vibrant crumb, and the happy reactions say it all. Whether for birthdays, afternoons with friends, or just because you love a classic, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and let it become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen!
Print
Yellow Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic yellow cake recipe yields a moist and tender cake that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade cake in no time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter: Add the flour mixture and milk alternately to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Let cakes cool before frosting with your choice of icing.
Notes
- Frost with chocolate buttercream or classic vanilla frosting.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
