There’s something absolutely delightful about a classic yellow cake, isn’t there? Here I am, whisking away at my Tender Yellow Cake Recipe, and the wonderful scents of vanilla and butter fill the air. This cake is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, and let’s be real, it’s just perfect for any occasion! Imagine taking a bite of moist, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth, all topped off with a rich, decadent chocolate buttercream. Whether you are celebrating a loved one’s birthday or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake is your go-to comfort dessert. Trust me, every slice promises pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly moist and tender texture that balances perfectly with chocolate buttercream.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry.
- A family favorite that’s great for birthdays and any other special occasion.
- Quick prep and bake time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when sweet cravings hit!
Ingredients
– All-purpose flour to provide the cake’s structure.
– Cornstarch to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
– Granulated sugar for that sweetness we all cherish.
– Baking powder to help the cake rise beautifully.
– Salt to enhance all the flavors.
– Unsalted butter, softened, for a creamy and rich base.
– Vegetable oil to keep the cake tender and moist.
– Eggs for binding and richness.
– Vanilla extract, because it elevates the flavor to another level.
– Buttermilk to add moisture and an extra touch of flavor.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I can already feel the excitement! Butter and flour three 6-inch round pans – this will ensure our lovely cake doesn’t stick. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt to combine everything evenly. Now, let the mixer do the heavy lifting! Cream your room temperature butter and sugar in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until it’s light and fluffy. This step will take about 3-5 minutes, and the smell is incredible!
Add the oil and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix to combine. One at a time, add in your eggs, beating well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl to ensure everything mixes together seamlessly. Next, we’re going to add our flour mixture and buttermilk in alternating batches. I like to start and end with the flour – makes it feel like a little dance!
Now, it’s time to get those cake layers into the oven! Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Oh, the anticipation! Once they’re done, let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– When measuring flour, it’s key to fluff it with a spoon and level it off—it prevents a dry, dense cake.
– If you want a smoother, flatter layer, consider using cake strips – they dramatically help in achieving that perfect shape!
– Try not to overmix the batter once you add the flour; just a few turns until combined is enough.
– For a deliciously rich frosting, feel free to use a bit more chocolate in your buttercream!
How to Serve
Once your cakes have completely cooled, it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Spread a generous layer of that silky chocolate buttercream onto the first layer. Add the next layer of cake on top and repeat. Finish it off with a smooth coating of frosting around the outside and top of the cake. If you’re feeling extra fun, you can add some chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for that festive touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to prep ahead for a busy week? This yellow cake can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to maintain its moistness. Additionally, this cake freezes beautifully; just wrap it in plastic and foil, then pop it in the freezer! When you’re ready for a slice of heaven, thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting or serving.
There you have it—a delightful Yellow Cake Recipe that is not only perfect for a birthday cake but also for every day of the week when you need a sweet treat. Enjoy every fluffy, sweet bite—it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
Tender Yellow Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 270g
- ¼ cup corn starch 35g
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar 250g
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, 113g
- ¼ cup vegetable oil 60mL
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract 15mL
- 1 cup buttermilk 240mL
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter 1 cup room temp, ¼ cup melted
- ¼ cup cocoa
- ½ tsp salt can add less if salt-sensitive
- ½ cup milk divided
- 1 lb powdered sugar 450g
- ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare three 6 inch round pans.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, corn starch, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar in a mixer, then add oil and vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time.
- Alternate blending flour mixture and buttermilk into the butter mixture, mixing on low.
- Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes; let cool in pans before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in microwave, mix cocoa and set aside. Melt semisweet chocolate with milk and mix.
- Beat room temperature butter, mix in cocoa, then powdered sugar and melted chocolate with milk.
- Assemble cake by layering buttercream between layers and cover the entire cake with frosting.