Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Frosting
A tender, moist yellow layer cake with rich frosting — a timeless dessert for celebrations and everyday occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic cake delivers a soft crumb and balanced sweetness. Whether served at a birthday party or a casual dinner, its familiar flavour and creamy frosting make it a beloved favourite.
ingredients
all‑purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
butter
eggs
vanilla extract
milk
frosting (buttercream or chocolate ganache)
sprinkles (optional)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Preheat oven and prepare two 8‑inch cake pans.
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Cream butter and sugar until light.
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Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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Alternately add dry ingredients and milk.
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Divide batter between pans and bake until a tester is clean.
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Cool completely, frost, and decorate.
Servings and timing
Serves: 10–12
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 25–30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Variations
• Add lemon zest for citrus flavour.
• Use cream cheese frosting for tangy richness.
• Add fresh berries between layers.
storage/reheating
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Why did my cake sink?
Over‑mixing or sudden temperature changes can cause sinking.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes, use a gluten‑free flour blend.
How do I get flat layers?
Trim domes or use bake‑even strips.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze wrapped up to 1 month.
What frosting pairs best?
Classic buttercream or chocolate ganache.
Can I reduce sugar?
Slight reductions are possible but may affect texture.
Should eggs be room temperature?
Yes, for even mixing.
Can I add food colouring?
Yes, for a fun presentation.
Why is my cake dry?
Do not overbake; check a few minutes early.
What’s the best drink pairing?
Coffee or milk enhances the experience.
Conclusion
Classic yellow layer cake with frosting is a versatile, crowd‑pleasing dessert that suits every occasion.
PrintClassic Yellow Layer Cake with Frosting
This Classic Yellow Layer Cake is a moist, buttery cake with a rich vanilla flavor, paired perfectly with a luscious chocolate or vanilla frosting. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or a comforting homemade dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Frosting (Chocolate or Vanilla):
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate version)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar (and cocoa if making chocolate), vanilla, salt, and milk gradually, beating until fluffy and smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Use cake strips around pans for flat layers.
- This cake pairs well with fruit fillings between layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: yellow cake, layer cake, birthday cake, classic dessert, homemade cake, chocolate frosting
