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Classic Yellow Cake Recipe with Creamy Chocolate Frosting

classic yellow cake - featured image

A simple, comforting yellow cake with a tender crumb paired with smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any day that needs a little sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk (for frosting)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. While cakes cool, prepare the frosting: beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, mixing on medium speed.
  11. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides smoothly.
  13. Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting if desired, or serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Sift cocoa powder for smooth frosting. Chill frosting briefly if too soft before spreading. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan margarine and almond or oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow cake, chocolate frosting, classic cake, easy dessert, birthday cake, moist cake, creamy frosting