Yellow Cake
Yellow cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any celebration. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it the perfect base for countless toppings, from buttercream frosting to fresh fruit. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging your sweet tooth, this yellow cake recipe is easy to follow and yields a delightful result. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of yellow cake (1 slice, approx. 100g) contains about 350 calories, 10g fat, 55g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 4. Stir in the vanilla extract. 5. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. 7. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. 8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking to modify the recipe, you can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture.
Serving and Pairings
This yellow cake pairs wonderfully with various frostings such as chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a delightful touch to each slice.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover yellow cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm briefly in the microwave.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter can result in a tough texture.
- Not preheating the oven may cause uneven baking.
- Using cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing.
- Not greasing the pans properly can lead to sticking.
- Skipping the cooling time can cause the cake to crumble.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the rise.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick or cake tester.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture. Just substitute it in equal amounts for the all-purpose flour.
How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?
To make a chocolate yellow cake, replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Can I bake this cake in one pan?
Absolutely! If using one pan, ensure to adjust the baking time and check for doneness.
What can I use if I don’t have eggs?
You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt.
How should I store the cake if frosted?
If frosted, store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from melting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this yellow cake recipe is not only simple to prepare but also versatile, allowing for various toppings and flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up for a celebration, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.
Yellow Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.