Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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