Name: Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted and softened for frosting); 3 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 4 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract ((5 ml)); 1 cup Buttermilk ((296 ml)); 1 cup Cocoa Powder ((if making a chocolate variation)); 3 cups Powdered Sugar (for frosting); 2-3 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream (for frosting (30-45 ml))

Creating a yellow cake from scratch is not only a rewarding experience but also a delicious one. This Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes) is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, celebrations, or simply because you deserve a slice of cake. With its tender crumb and rich flavor, this cake serves as a wonderful base for various frostings and fillings. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special!

What Makes This Recipe Special

The charm of this Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes) lies in its simplicity and versatility. The cake is moist and fluffy thanks to the combination of butter and buttermilk, resulting in a flavor that is rich yet not overwhelming. You can easily customize it with your favorite fillings, frostings, or even mix-ins such as chocolate chips or fruits. Plus, this cake holds up beautifully whether you decide to serve it as layered cakes or individual cupcakes.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start baking, here’s a handy shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (310g)
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (297g)
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g) melted and 1 cup (227g) softened for frosting
Baking Powder: 3 teaspoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Large Eggs: 4
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
Buttermilk: 1 cup (296 ml)
Cocoa Powder: 1 cup (40g) (if making a chocolate variation)
Powdered Sugar: 3 cups (396g) for frosting
Heavy Whipping Cream: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) for frosting

Setup & Equipment

Gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience:

Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer: To beat the batter until fluffy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
Baking Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans or a cupcake tray.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cakes evenly after baking.

Directions: Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes)

Follow these simple steps to bake your delicious yellow cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture while alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream gradually until you achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake. For a delightful twist, you can also try a Butter Cake With Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe to elevate the flavor!

Make It Your Way

This Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes) can be easily adapted to suit your preferences:

Chocolate Version: Add 1 cup (40g) of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate cake.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing flavor twist.
Fruit Add-ins: Fold in fresh berries or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Layered Desserts: Use it as a base for a Vanilla Trifle by layering with custard and fruit.

Avoid These Traps

While baking can be a fun and rewarding experience, there are common pitfalls to avoid:

Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Not Cooling Properly: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Using Cold Ingredients: Bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature for a smoother batter.

Save It for Later

If you have leftover cake, here are some tips to store it properly:

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Similar Recipes

If you enjoyed this Basic Yellow Cake Recipe (Cakes and Cupcakes), you might want to try out these delightful desserts:

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and detailed instructions to create your Basic Yellow Cake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a canvas for your creativity! Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with flavors and fillings, the joy of baking and sharing a homemade cake is second to none. Enjoy every bite!