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Classic Yellow Layer Cake

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  • Author: Olivia
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. 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