A timeless yellow layer cake with rich, buttery flavour and silky frosting, perfect for celebrations or everyday dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is moist and tender, with a deep vanilla profile and luscious frosting. It is versatile, easy to decorate, and universally loved.
ingredients
all‑purpose flour
baking powder
salt
butter
sugar
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
- Preheat the oven and prepare two round cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk.
- Divide batter between pans and bake until a tester is clean.
- Cool cakes, frost, and decorate with sprinkles.
Servings and timing
Serves: 10–12
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 25–30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Variations
• Add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
• Use cream cheese frosting for tang.
• Layer with fresh fruit.
storage/reheating
Store covered at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerate in warm climates; bring to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes, with a gluten‑free flour blend.
Why did my cake sink?
Overmixing or opening the oven too soon can cause this.
How do I get flat layers?
Trim domes or bake with a cake strip.
What frosting pairs best?
Vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache both work beautifully.
Can I add flavours?
Yes, almond extract or citrus zest can be added.
Is this cake too sweet?
Balance sweetness with a tangy frosting if needed.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking; check a few minutes early.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, adjust pans and baking time accordingly.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter adds better texture and flavour, but oil will work.
How do I store leftover frosting?
Refrigerate up to one week; whip before reuse.
Conclusion
This classic yellow layer cake is a crowd‑pleasing favourite that is simple to make yet elegant enough for any celebration.
Print
Classic Yellow Layer Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Yellow Layer Cake is a rich, buttery cake with a tender crumb and a golden hue, perfect for layering with chocolate frosting, buttercream, or fruit fillings for birthdays and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Optional: chocolate or vanilla frosting for layering and topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. 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 in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and layer with your choice of frosting once cakes are completely cool.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Can be made ahead and wrapped tightly before frosting.
- For cupcakes, divide batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Pairs beautifully with chocolate fudge frosting or classic vanilla buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (without frosting)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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