Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a classic dessert that combines simplicity with melt-in-your-mouth goodness, this Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with buttery vanilla flavor, this cake is a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any day you want a sweet treat. Made from basic pantry ingredients, it’s both easy and fun to bake from scratch, delivering that warm, homemade comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Moistness: This recipe uses a perfect balance of butter, oil, and milk to create a tender, moist crumb every single time.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find here—just classic staples that come together beautifully.
• Fluffy Texture: Light and airy, thanks to proper creaming of butter and sugar, plus perfectly beaten eggs.
• Versatility: This Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe pairs effortlessly with frostings, fillings, or toppings of your choice.
• Perfect From Scratch: Homemade means no shortcuts, allowing you to control flavor and sweetness exactly how you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe are straightforward yet carefully chosen to deliver that classic color, flavor, and texture we all adore. Each one plays a crucial role—from the richness of butter to the subtle flavor of vanilla extract—which together create a flawless, golden cake.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a fine crumb when creamed with butter.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s tender, airy structure.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the batter.
• Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with that warm, comforting vanilla aroma.

Variations for Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

One of the best parts about this Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to make it healthier, add a flavor twist, or adjust for special diets, there’s a variation here to inspire your baking adventure.

• Classic Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to create a marbled effect.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.
• Citrus Twist: Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a fresh, zesty takeaway.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs for a cruelty-free treat.
• Spiced Yellow Cake: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile for fall or winter celebrations.

How to Make Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and lightly dust them with flour, or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cakes come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and prevents clumps in the batter.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to a tender, airy cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in pure vanilla extract. This builds structure and enhances flavor.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and makes frosting easier.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use eggs, butter, and milk at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the crumb soft and tender.
• Proper Measuring: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately for consistent results.
• Even Layering: Use a kitchen scale to ensure both pans have the same amount of batter for uniform cakes.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; crumbs attached mean it needs a little more time, while clean means perfect.

How to Serve Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or edible flowers add vibrant color and brightness, taking this classic cake up a notch in presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for indulgence that complements the cake’s buttery, sweet profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer with frostings like cream cheese or chocolate ganache, or cut into cupcakes for individual servings that are perfect for celebrations big and small.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

This Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For a just-baked feel, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a pan to bring back moisture and softness.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter?

Yes, substituting vegetable oil for half or all of the butter will yield a moist cake, though the texture and buttery flavor might be slightly different.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

Replace milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, use a dairy-free butter alternative, and ensure your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly.

What’s the best frosting for this cake?

This cake pairs well with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Bake in a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for 18-22 minutes at 350°F, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Why isn’t my cake rising properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh, you’ve followed measurements exactly, and your oven temperature is accurate. Overmixing or opening the oven door early can also cause sinking.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe is a tried-and-true classic that never fails to delight. Its simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible texture make it a perfect project for anyone who loves baking or simply wants a comforting dessert on hand. Give it a whirl and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

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