Name: Best Yellow Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (254 grams) bleached cake flour, measured correctly; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature; 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 large egg yolks, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (57 grams) sour cream or plain full fat yogurt, at room temperature; 3/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature; 1 Batch Best Chocolate American Buttercream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 46 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of perfecting the ultimate homemade yellow cake that’s moist, tender, and packed with buttery, vanilla goodness, then you’re in the right place. This Best Yellow Cake Recipe strikes the perfect balance between light crumb and rich flavor, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve a little slice of happiness. It’s that golden classic that everyone loves but made even better with a few simple secrets to ensure your cake turns out irresistibly delicious every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows one layer of light golden cake on a white plate, topped with a thick, smooth layer of rich, dark chocolate frosting spread evenly but with visible swirls and texture. The cake is simple with the focus on the contrast between the pale cake and the dark glossy chocolate cream, placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle won when baking this cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and that beautiful yellow hue that this recipe proudly delivers.

Bleached cake flour (2 1/4 cups / 254 grams): Provides the delicate crumb and just enough structure without weighing down the cake.
Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise evenly and achieve a light, airy texture.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right lift and interacts with sour cream for tenderness.
Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (2 sticks / 227 grams, room temperature): The secret to buttery richness and moist crumb.
Granulated sugar (1 3/4 cups / 350 grams): Sweetens the cake while contributing to a tender texture.
Large eggs (2) and egg yolks (2), room temperature: Provide structure, moisture, and deepen the golden color.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and that classic familiar flavor we all crave.
Sour cream or full-fat yogurt (1/4 cup / 57 grams): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender with a slight tang that enhances the richness.
Whole milk (3/4 cup), room temperature: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter ready to bake into perfection.
Best Chocolate American Buttercream: Because what’s a cake without a luscious frosting to top it all off?

How to Make Best Yellow Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it is hot and ready for the batter once mixed. Butter two 8-inch cake pans, dust them with flour, and line the bottom with parchment circles. This extra step guarantees your cake layers will release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together bleached cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Whisking these together ensures they distribute evenly throughout the batter, providing consistency in rise and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer on high, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth and creamy, which takes about a minute. Add sugar and continue beating for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that helps develop the tender crumb the Best Yellow Cake Recipe is famous for.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs, then egg yolks, one at a time, beating well in between to keep the batter smooth and emulsified; if it looks separated, just keep mixing, and it will come together! Finally, beat in the vanilla extract and sour cream for richness and moisture.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix, which could make the cake tough.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a turntable or cake stand, spreading a third of your luscious Best Chocolate American Buttercream evenly across the surface, pushing just slightly over the edges. Add the second layer upside down for a perfectly flat top, then frost the entire cake smoothly. Let the frosting set slightly before serving or refrigerate up to two days.

How to Serve Best Yellow Cake Recipe

The cake has two layers of yellow sponge with a thick dark chocolate layer in the middle and the outside covered fully in smooth dark chocolate frosting. The top and sides of the cake are decorated with colorful round sprinkles in pink, blue, yellow, and white. One slice is removed and placed on a white plate with a small silver spoon beside it, showing the neat layers inside. The cake sits on a white cake stand on a white marbled surface with a crumpled light blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the cake from delightful to stunning. Fresh berries provide a pop of color and a hint of tartness that pairs wonderfully with the buttery cake. You could also sprinkle some toasted almonds or edible flowers for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Serving your Best Yellow Cake Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the cake’s richness beautifully. For a fruity twist, try serving with a side of compote made from seasonal fruits to add freshness and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Why stick to the classic layer cake look? Try cutting the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party or stacking mini versions as individual servings for an eye-catching dessert table. Even lightly dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate can add that extra flair your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cake left over (which can be rare with how good this is), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting soft without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating

Since cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving as it can dry out the cake and melt the frosting unevenly. Instead, let the cake sit out for about an hour to soften up and bring out all those luscious flavors.

FAQs

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

While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, cake flour has a lower protein content which helps make the cake tender and soft. If you must substitute, try removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with cornstarch to mimic cake flour.

Why are there both eggs and extra yolks in this recipe?

The egg whites provide structure and lightness, while the extra egg yolks contribute richness, moisture, and deepen the golden color that makes this the Best Yellow Cake Recipe so special.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the sour cream, coconut yogurt can work well. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of each cake layer. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Overbaking can cause dryness, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use larger pans or more pans to bake evenly. Increase baking time accordingly and check doneness with the toothpick test regularly.

Final Thoughts

This Best Yellow Cake Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure once you bake it, it will be in yours too. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, the warmth, moistness, and classic flavor of this cake make it an irresistible treat worth sharing. So go on, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch that will steal the show and hearts alike.