Yellow Cake Recipe

This Yellow Cake Recipe is the ultimate classic dessert that brings pure joy to any table. Moist, buttery layers with a sunny golden crumb are crowned with a swirl of creamy chocolate frosting. Whether it’s for a birthday, celebration, or just because, nothing says “home-baked love” quite like a homemade yellow cake. You’ll fall for its nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture, making it a go-to treat for years to come!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the real stars of the show! This Yellow Cake Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that truly shine when they come together. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that fluffy crumb, rich flavor, and signature yellow hue that makes every slice magical.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the cake’s structure and ensures it stays tender, never dense.
• Baking powder: Don’t skip this! It’s what gives the cake its wonderful rise and lightness.
• Salt: Just enough to balance flavors and bring out all that buttery sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): For a luscious, melt-in-the-mouth crumb and that comforting, rich taste.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and keeps the cake moist, plus helps create a lovely golden crust.
• Large eggs: These add structure and give the cake its classic yellow color and a satisfying, tender bite.
• Egg yolks: Extra yolks mean extra richness and an even brighter, golden cake battter.
• Whole milk: Moisture matters! Whole milk brings everything together for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth result.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making the Yellow Cake Recipe taste bakery-worthy.
• Chocolate Frosting Ingredients: Unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, whole milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt turn into the most pillowy chocolate frosting you could imagine!

How to Make Yellow Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. This step ensures your cakes come out clean, intact, and totally Instagram-worthy later on.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give this a quick whisk to make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, guaranteeing your Yellow Cake Recipe bakes up light and fluffy.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the sugar until it’s pale and light—think cloudlike! Creaming is key for that dreamy, tender cake crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Yolks

Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The extra yolks make all the difference in richness and color for your Yellow Cake Recipe, so don’t skip them!

Step 5: Mix in Vanilla and Combine Everything

Stir in the vanilla extract, then alternate adding the dry mixture and milk, starting and finishing with the dry. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle at this stage.

Step 6: Divide and Bake

Evenly distribute the batter between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, bake for 22–27 minutes, and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely—this ensures the layers don’t get soggy and are ready to soak up every bit of frosting you add.

Step 8: Whip Up That Chocolate Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy, then sift in the cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey base. Gradually add powdered sugar and alternate with milk until you reach that billowy, spreadable consistency. Finish by mixing in the vanilla and salt for the perfect chocolate frosting.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Place your first cake layer on a board, spread on a generous layer of frosting, then repeat with the next two layers. Frost the top and sides, and decorate to your heart’s content. Your Yellow Cake Recipe is officially ready to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve Yellow Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Yellow Cake Recipe with a shower of chocolate curls, colorful sprinkles, or even a few edible flowers for a celebratory touch. A scatter of fresh berries also adds a pop of color and a little tartness to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or keep it classic with just a cold glass of milk. Fresh fruit—think juicy strawberries or sweet peaches—makes a refreshing, crowd-pleasing combo that’s especially lovely in warmer months.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, write a personalized message in melted chocolate or use cookie cutters to stencil out fun shapes on top. Serving a crowd? Slice your Yellow Cake Recipe into squares and turn them into decadent cake pops or parfaits layered in jars—guaranteed to wow any guest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Yellow Cake Recipe fresh by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop the container in the fridge, where it will stay moist for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Want to do some prep ahead? The unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully! Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze up to 3 months. To freeze the frosted cake, let it firm up in the fridge first, then wrap well. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

If you like your cake a little warm (who doesn’t?), zap individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the buttery aroma and makes the frosting extra creamy—just like it’s fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I make this Yellow Cake Recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter between lined cupcake pans and bake at the same temperature for 16–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick—they’re done when it comes out clean.

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using cake flour will give your Yellow Cake Recipe an even lighter and softer texture. Swap cup-for-cup, but keep in mind the crumb will be a little more delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth.

My cake layers baked unevenly. How can I fix this?

If your oven has hot spots or the pans aren’t rotated, cake layers may dome or bake unevenly. To fix domed tops, simply slice them off with a serrated knife before stacking for that perfectly even finish!

Can I make this Yellow Cake Recipe dairy-free?

You sure can! Substitute the butter for a dairy-free baking alternative and swap in a plant-based milk of your choice. The cake will still be fluffy and flavorful with just a subtle difference in taste.

What’s the secret to super-moist cake?

The winning combo is not overbaking, using whole milk, and making sure your butter and eggs are room temperature before mixing. These steps keep your Yellow Cake Recipe supremely moist and never dry.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking your own homemade Yellow Cake Recipe—especially when every bite is a nostalgic, buttery hug! Give this recipe a try, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just need a little extra sweetness in your day. You’ll find yourself coming back to this classic treat again and again!