Homemade Yellow Cake recipe

The Homemade Yellow Cake recipe is the kind of classic that feels both comforting and celebratory, and let’s be honest: pulling it off from scratch is a total culinary win. With a tender crumb, golden hue, and a crown of silky chocolate frosting, this cake instantly brings on those nostalgic bakery vibes we all love. Whether you’re marking a big milestone or just want to sweeten up an everyday moment, this is the cake to make—and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you just love a cake where each ingredient really matters? The components in this Homemade Yellow Cake recipe are everyday staples, but together they create a memorable flavor and a beautiful, sunny color that truly stands out.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure and helps ensure a perfect, soft bite.
• Baking powder: Lifts the batter so your cake bakes up fluffy and tall.
• Salt: Just a little brings out all the other flavors—never skip it!
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds unbeatable richness and helps create a delicate crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps in achieving that light, tender texture.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and contribute to the golden-yellow color.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the cake’s warmth and classic bakery scent.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture for a soft, luscious texture that’s never dry.

For the Chocolate Frosting: These ingredients come together for a decadent, creamy finish that perfectly complements the yellow cake layers.

• Unsalted butter (softened): The base of the frosting, delivering creaminess and stability.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives that smooth, fluffy consistency.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor, balancing the cake’s sweetness.
• Salt: Punches up the chocolate and balances overall flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the frosting extra depth and appeal.
• Heavy cream or milk: Softens and spreads the frosting like a dream.

How to Make Homemade Yellow Cake recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans, tapping out the excess flour. This simple step sets you up for easy cake release—not a single crumb left behind. Meanwhile, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leavening is evenly distributed and makes for a cake that rises beautifully and has an even texture throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is essential for trapping air and building that perfect crumb in your Homemade Yellow Cake recipe.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition—this helps create a stable, unified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse every bite with classic flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Pour in about a third of the flour, then half the milk, repeating until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; gentle folding keeps your cake tender.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen starts to smell like pure happiness at this point!

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let your cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes—just enough time for them to settle—then gently run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely before you frost.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa. Mix in salt, vanilla, and just enough cream or milk to make the frosting spreadable and luscious. Adjust the consistency as needed for your decorating vision.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer onto your serving plate and spoon a generous layer of chocolate frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and use the rest of the frosting to cover the cake, whether you prefer a smooth, polished finish or rustic swirls.

How to Serve Homemade Yellow Cake recipe

Garnishes

Simplicity shines here: a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a handful of colorful sprinkles, or even a scatter of edible flowers can transform your Homemade Yellow Cake recipe into an occasion all its own. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar are delightfully elegant touches, too.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this cake for a special gathering, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee makes every bite feel a little extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the batter as cupcakes for a picnic, or slice the layers and stack with extra frosting and fruit for a beautiful trifle. Small, individual cake squares look charming on a dessert platter and are perfect for sharing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight cake keeper. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days—assuming it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, both the unfrosted cake layers and the fully assembled cake freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled layers or frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, let slices come to room temperature, or give an individual piece a 10-second zap in the microwave. The frosting gets slightly melty and the cake becomes irresistibly soft—pure comfort food magic.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Yellow Cake recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers one or two days ahead; just wrap them well and frost before serving. The frosting also keeps well in the fridge overnight.

Why is my yellow cake sometimes dry?

Dryness is often due to overbaking or overmixing. Be sure to check your cake a few minutes before the recommended bake time and mix only until ingredients are just combined for a moist, tender crumb.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

You can use low-fat milk in a pinch, but whole milk provides the ideal moisture and richness. The difference is subtle, but for that true Homemade Yellow Cake recipe texture, whole milk is best.

How do I make the cake gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that substitutes cup for cup and includes a binder for the most reliable results.

Is it possible to use a different frosting?

Of course! This cake is a blank canvas. Feel free to top it with vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a simply dusting of powdered sugar—chocolate just happens to be the classic pairing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying and joyful about making the Homemade Yellow Cake recipe from scratch, especially when you see how much everyone enjoys each slice. Give it a try and make it your new favorite—there’s always room for a little more homemade happiness in your kitchen!

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