Yellow Cake Recipe

Yellow cake is a classic favorite for any celebration. Its buttery flavor and moist texture make it the perfect base for any frosting or filling. This beginner-friendly guide will take you through each step to create a delicious yellow cake from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Measure and sift: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Cream together: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

1. Incorporate the eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Add vanilla extract: Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Alternate mixing: With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

1. Cool in pans: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a cooling rack: Remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

1. Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can frost them with your favorite frosting. Classic choices include chocolate or vanilla buttercream.
2. Serve: Slice and serve your delicious homemade yellow cake.

Tips for Perfect Yellow Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
• Do not overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Even layers: Use a kitchen scale to ensure your batter is evenly divided between the cake pans for uniform layers.

Serving Suggestions

Yellow cake is versatile and pairs well with a variety of frostings and fillings. Try it with classic chocolate frosting, fresh berries and whipped cream, or a tangy lemon curd.

Final Thoughts

Baking a yellow cake from scratch is simpler than you might think. With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing this timeless dessert!