The sight of yellow cake brings back memories of good times shared with my family and friends. No matter how special the occasion was, I could always count on getting a slice of yellow cake with chocolate frosting—the true definition of a celebration cake. This humble cake is an excellent example of how decadent simple desserts can be. Did you know it’s one of the most popular box-cake mixes of all time? It’s right up there with white, lemon, and chocolate cake mixes. But you and I can make it so much better and almost as easy.

Recipe Ingredients

Cake Flour – This flour is finely ground, has a lower protein content, and gives your cake a light, tender crumb. It’s a forgiving cake, so you can use all-purpose or even a gluten-free cake flour mix if you need to.Butter – Let it soften at room temperature before using it for the cake and the frosting. If you only have salted butter, omit the added salt. Refined coconut oil or margarine works if you need a dairy-free version.Eggs – Three large eggs plus three egg yolks for this cake give it its beautiful yellow color. Organic or free-range eggs have the best color for more intense color.Cocoa Powder – Who doesn’t love chocolate? A good quality cocoa powder will create a creamier texture.Vanilla – That good vanilla flavor is essential to a good yellow cake. You will use vanilla extract in the cake batter and the frosting.Milk – This ingredient adds moisture, adds protein, and improves the cake’s texture. Feel free to replace it with nut milk if you need dairy-free, but I wouldn’t use rice milk.

How to Make Yellow Cake

The Cake

Prepare Cake Pans – Whether making a sheet cake or layered cake, lightly butter or oil your pans and dust with flour.Combine Dry Ingredients – Sift flour, baking soda, salt, lemon zest, and nutmeg (optional) in a large bowl.Cream Butter – Beat the butter, granulated, and brown sugar in another large bowl using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) until light and fluffy.Incorporate Eggs– Add the eggs and egg yolks one by one until well combined. Once mixed, add the vanilla.Combine – Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until combined being careful not to over mix.Bake – Divide the batter in half, pour into prepared pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes (a toothpick or cake tester will come out clean). Let cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.Frosting – In a bowl, sift together cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Then add softened butter, milk, and vanilla, and mix with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined. Once the cake has cooled completely, ice the cake and decorate with sprinkles.

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

A good option is to bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it. After it cools completely, wrap it first in plastic wrap, then in foil. Put it in the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Then let it come to room temperature and finish it with frosting.

Serving and Storage Instructions

This cake is best at room temperature with a thick layer of chocolate frosting and a pot of coffee. You could serve it cold, but the butter hardens, and it’s not quite as tender and mouthwatering. You can keep a yellow cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for five days. You can also freeze it, but that works best if you freeze the cake unfrosted. If you freeze your cake, it will last up to 4 months in the freezer.

What Goes With Yellow Cake

This dessert is an excellent finisher for any meal, but I think of large gatherings when I think of yellow cake. Instant Pot Country Style Ribs and Easy Coleslaw are perfect if you’re planning a family event.

More Delicious Dessert Recipes to Try

Mississippi Mud CakeFrench Yogurt CakeGingerbread CakeButtermilk Pound Cake

Conclusion

Yellow cake is a super simple cake that turns any day into a celebration. What plans do you have for this recipe? Please comment below on how it goes.❤️

Watch How to Make It

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