Yellow Cake is a timeless, beloved dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Its soft, light, and fluffy texture, combined with a subtle sweetness, makes it the ideal base for all types of frosting and fillings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Yellow cake has long been a favorite because of its versatility and satisfying flavor. Unlike other cakes, yellow cake is neither too rich nor too light; it’s perfectly balanced, making it ideal for pairing with any type of frosting, whether it’s a simple buttercream or a decadent chocolate ganache. The buttery flavor of the cake provides the perfect backdrop for bold or creamy frosting while still standing out on its own.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Yellow Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, including butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This helps them blend together more smoothly and results in a cake with a consistent texture.
Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing the batter will lead to a dense cake, as it develops too much gluten. Gentle mixing is key to achieving a light and fluffy cake.
Properly Grease the Pan: Grease your cake pans well and line them with parchment paper. This will help the cakes come out of the pan easily and prevent them from sticking.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt ensures they are evenly distributed in the batter. This step also prevents lumps and contributes to a smoother, fluffier texture.
Check for Doneness: Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow your cake layers to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the cake set, making it less likely to break or crumble when frosting.
Variations of Yellow Cake
While the classic yellow cake is always a favorite, there are several variations to experiment with depending on your mood or the occasion:
- Chocolate Yellow Cake: Add cocoa powder to your yellow cake batter for a chocolate twist. This hybrid cake combines the richness of chocolate with the fluffy texture of yellow cake, creating a deliciously moist dessert.
- Lemon Yellow Cake: Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy kick. A lemon-infused yellow cake pairs wonderfully with buttercream frosting or even a tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Vanilla Bean Yellow Cake: To elevate the flavor, swap out vanilla extract for real vanilla beans. The specks of vanilla bean add an extra layer of sophistication and depth to the cake.
- Caramel Yellow Cake: For an indulgent treat, drizzle a caramel sauce over the top of your cake or layer it within the cake. The sweet, rich caramel flavor complements the buttery yellow cake perfectly.
- Almond Yellow Cake: If you’re a fan of almond flavors, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. This will give the cake a subtle, nutty aroma and taste, perfect when paired with a light buttercream frosting.
How to Serve Yellow Cake
Yellow cake is versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy it:
- Classic Birthday Cake: The most popular way to serve yellow cake is as a birthday cake. Frost it with a rich buttercream frosting, add some colorful sprinkles or decorations, and you’ve got the perfect celebration treat.
- Layered Cake: Stack multiple layers of yellow cake and frost them with your favorite frosting. Layering makes for a more dramatic presentation and allows for extra flavor in each bite.
- Cake with Fresh Fruit: For a lighter, fresher take, serve yellow cake with fresh berries or a fruit compote. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the richness of the cake while adding a refreshing contrast.
- Cupcakes: If you’re serving a crowd or want individual servings, consider making yellow cake into cupcakes. These mini versions are great for parties and can be easily decorated with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
- Cake with Ice Cream: Pair your yellow cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of moist cake and cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
How to Store Yellow Cake
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and texture of your yellow cake:
- At Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist for 2–3 days without refrigeration.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want your cake to last longer, store it in the fridge. Be sure it is tightly covered to prevent it from drying out. When refrigerated, yellow cake can last for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Yellow Cake: For longer storage, you can freeze yellow cake. Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its smooth texture.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use cake mix for this recipe?
While a store-bought cake mix can certainly work in a pinch, making yellow cake from scratch results in a more flavorful and tender cake. The extra effort is well worth it for the homemade taste and texture.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
While whole wheat flour can be substituted in some recipes, using it in yellow cake will change both the flavor and texture. For a lighter, fluffier cake, it’s best to stick with all-purpose flour.
3. Can I make yellow cake without eggs?
Yes, yellow cake can be made without eggs by using an egg substitute such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal. These substitutions will affect the texture slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
4. How can I make the cake more moist?
To achieve a moist yellow cake, make sure you don’t overmix the batter and don’t overbake the cake. Additionally, using ingredients like buttermilk or adding a small amount of sour cream can add moisture to the cake.
5. How long does it take to bake yellow cake?
Yellow cake typically bakes in 25–30 minutes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. If you’re baking multiple layers, the baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Yellow Cake
Yellow Cake is a timeless, beloved dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Its soft, light, and fluffy texture, combined with a subtle sweetness, makes it the ideal base for all types of frosting and fillings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (270g)
- ¼ cup corn starch (35g)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (250g)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (60mL)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1 cup buttermilk (240mL)
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter (1 cup room temperature, ¼ cup melted)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup milk (divided)
- 1 lb powdered sugar (450g)
- ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- For the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or electric hand mixer).
- Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
- Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low to prevent overworking the batter.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the centers are set and springy to the touch.
- Allow the layers to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Chocolate Buttercream: Melt ¼ cup of butter in the microwave. Stir in the cocoa powder and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate with ¼ cup milk, then set aside.
- Beat 1 cup of room temperature butter using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer.
- Once smooth, pour in the cocoa butter mixture and mix to combine.
- Add powdered sugar slowly while mixing on low. Pour in the melted chocolate ganache and ¼ cup milk, mixing until smooth and silky.
- For Assembly: Spread or pipe a layer of buttercream onto the first cake layer. Add the next layer and repeat.
- Cover the entire cake with buttercream and use a spatula to swirl the frosting for a rustic look.
- For a lighter texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour and cornstarch (2 ½ cups of cake flour should do).
- If you’re using larger pans (8-inch or 9-inch), double or triple the recipe accordingly.
- Be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake! A kitchen scale makes it easier, but if you don’t have one, fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
- Scrape the bowl frequently when mixing both the cake batter and frosting to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 674Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 150mgSodium 344mgCarbohydrates 85gFiber 1gSugar 62gProtein 6g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Yellow cake is an incredibly versatile and delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy. With its light, fluffy texture and buttery flavor, it’s a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, yellow cake is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and toppings to create a cake that suits your personal taste. Enjoy the classic comfort of yellow cake with family and friends—it’s a dessert that never goes out of style!
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