Description
This homemade yellow cake mix recipe is a convenient and flavorful base for baking a classic, moist yellow cake. Perfect for preparing in advance and stored in a jar for up to three months, it can be quickly transformed into a delicious cake with simple pantry ingredients. The cake is soft and buttery with a tender crumb, ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 10 Tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mix: In a 2-quart jar, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gently pack the dry ingredients to fit. Seal the jar tightly; this mix can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set it aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients: Pour the prepared cake mix into a large mixing bowl, lightly stirring to combine and set aside.
- Whip the butter: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, whip the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the whipped butter, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add milk and vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly lumpy at this stage, but that’s normal.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three batches, mixing fully after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before adding your favorite toppings or frosting. Then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- The cake mix can be stored in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer, use unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt in the batter to taste.
- Check doneness starting at 32 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- This mix is versatile—try adding chocolate chips or citrus zest for variations.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American