There's something timeless and comforting about a classic yellow cake. Its buttery richness and tender crumb make it a favorite for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration or a simple afternoon treat. This recipe captures the essence of a traditional yellow cake, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a homemade cake that rivals any bakery version, perfect for pairing with your favorite frosting or enjoying on its own.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to pick up. Vanilla extract is essential for adding depth of flavor, so make sure you have a good quality one. If you don't bake often, you might need to check your supply of baking powder, as it can lose its effectiveness over time. Lastly, ensure you have enough butter on hand, as it needs to be softened for the creaming process.

Ingredients For Yellow Cake Recipe
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Milk: Moistens the batter and adds richness.
Butter: Provides flavor and moisture, contributing to the cake's tender texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Technique Tip for Baking
To achieve a perfectly light and fluffy cake, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This allows the butter to trap air, which expands during baking, giving your cake its desired texture. Additionally, when adding the eggs, make sure to beat each one thoroughly into the mixture to maintain the emulsion and prevent the batter from curdling. When incorporating the flour mixture and milk, alternate between the two, starting and ending with the flour. This method helps to maintain the structure of the cake and ensures even mixing.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cake flour: Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a softer and more tender cake texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For a gluten-free version, use a blend specifically designed for baking to maintain the cake's structure.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Use ¾ cup of honey for every cup of sugar, and reduce the liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the cake, but reduce the baking powder to 2 teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking.
softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Use in equal amounts for a dairy-free option, but note it may add a slight coconut flavor.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of applesauce per egg for a moist cake with a hint of apple flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, and let it sit to thicken.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile; use half the amount as it is stronger.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, but use slightly more than the vanilla extract.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in equal amounts and may enhance the flavor with its mineral content.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cake
How to Store or Freeze Your Cake
Allow the yellow cake to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the cake soggy.
For short-term storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
If you plan to enjoy the cake beyond 3 days, consider refrigerating it. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, ensuring it's tightly sealed. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn and preserves the cake's quality.
Label the wrapped cake with the date to keep track of its freshness. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and re-whip it before using to restore its creamy texture.
For individual servings, slice the cake before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy a piece of cake whenever you crave it without defrosting the entire cake.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Wrap the yellow cake in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the cake's moisture and texture.
Use a microwave for a quick fix. Place a slice of yellow cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for 10-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the cake rubbery.
Steam the yellow cake for a gentle reheating. Place the cake slice on a heatproof plate or dish. Set it over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the plate. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes. This method helps maintain the cake's softness.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the yellow cake slice in the basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method gives a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist.
For a stovetop method, use a skillet. Place the yellow cake slice in a dry skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is quick and keeps the cake tender.
Essential Tools for Baking
Oven: Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Cake pan: The container in which you pour the batter to shape the cake as it bakes.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients together.
Hand mixer: An electric tool used to cream the butter and sugar, and to mix the batter thoroughly.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the dry and liquid ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Wire rack: A cooling rack that allows air to circulate around the cake, helping it cool evenly.
Toothpick: A small tool used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.
Sifter: Optional tool used to aerate the flour and remove any lumps before mixing.
How to Save Time on Baking
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder in advance to streamline the process.
Use room temperature items: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
One-bowl method: Combine dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients to minimize cleanup.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper instead of greasing to save time and ensure easy removal.
Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze one cake for future use.

Yellow Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Butter softened
- 3 Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
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