Name: Classic Yellow Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups milk; ⅛ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) butter, softened; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 74 reviews

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, the Classic Yellow Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is delightfully moist, tender, and buttery with the perfect golden hue, making it an irresistible base for any celebration or simple sweet craving. The balance of vanilla and buttery richness paired with a soft crumb creates a timeless treat that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or tackling your first cake, this recipe brings dependable results and joyful moments with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round cake with a evenly browned, smooth crust sits in a silver-colored round pan held by a woman's hands wearing pink and white striped oven mitts. The cake's surface is slightly domed with a few subtle raised bubbles and a fine crack near the center. The background shows a white marbled stove top with a faint blue flame visible below. The overall scene is bright and clean, showing the cake freshly baked and just taken out of the oven, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Classic Yellow Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and that iconic golden color that we all love. From the soft butter adding richness to the baking powder bringing the cake’s lovely rise, these pantry staples come together effortlessly.

All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 281 g): The backbone of your cake, providing structure and body.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Baking powder (3 ½ teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that makes the cake rise beautifully.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavor and enhances the sweetness.
Milk (1 ¼ cups): Adds moisture and a slight creaminess perfect for softening the batter.
Vegetable oil (⅛ cup): Keeps the cake moist and adds tenderness without heaviness.
Butter, softened (½ cup or 1 stick / 113 g): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the cake with an inviting, warm aroma and flavor.
Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.

How to Make Classic Yellow Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by measuring 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour into a quart-size mason jar or mixing bowl. Layer the granulated sugar on top, then add 3 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, followed by 1 teaspoon of salt. This layering technique makes it easy to combine your dry ingredients evenly when the time comes.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

Next, place ½ cup of softened butter into your stand mixer bowl and mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Creaming the butter until softened creates the fluffy texture that will help your cake rise and develop a light crumb. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer works just as well here.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter

Add your measured dry mixture into the stand mixer bowl with the butter and mix on low-medium speed just for about 30 seconds. This ensures that the butter coats the flour evenly, preventing lumps and creating a smooth batter.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in 1 ¼ cups of milk, ⅛ cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and crack in 3 large eggs. Mix everything together on medium-high for one full minute. This creates a luscious, silky batter that is perfectly balanced between moisture and structure.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. For two 8-inch pans, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cupcakes baked at 350°F will be ready around 15 minutes, so keep an eye on them. If you prefer a 9×13 cake, bake for 30-38 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Always allow your cake to cool before frosting to keep things neat and delicious.

How to Serve Classic Yellow Cake Recipe

The image shows a two-layer round cake with light yellow sponge layers separated by a thick, smooth dark chocolate frosting layer. The outside and top of the cake are covered with thick, textured dark chocolate frosting, creating swirled patterns. A slice is being lifted from the cake by a woman's hand holding a cake server, showing the inside layers clearly. The cake sits on a white plate placed on a woven mat with a soft beige background and a white marbled surface beneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a layer of fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting elevates this Classic Yellow Cake Recipe to dessert royalty. Fresh berries or edible flowers add a pop of color and freshness that’s both beautiful and tasty.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with classic sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce. For a fruity twist, freshly sliced strawberries or a tangy berry compote provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your Classic Yellow Cake Recipe with colorful fillings such as lemon curd or raspberry jam for a delightful surprise in every bite. Cutting the cake into elegant finger-sized portions makes it perfect for parties, while stacking it as a tiered cake adds grandeur to any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, you can keep your Classic Yellow Cake Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days without losing moisture or flavor.

Freezing

To prolong the life of your cake, freeze slices or whole layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag or container. Frozen cake can last up to three months, giving you a homemade treat ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

For the best experience, thaw frozen cake overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before serving. If you want a quick warm-up, a few seconds in the microwave will revive that freshly baked softness and flavor wonderfully.

FAQs

What makes this a Classic Yellow Cake Recipe?

The signature golden color from the combination of eggs, butter, and vanilla extract, alongside a moist, tender crumb, defines the timeless appeal of this recipe. It’s simple yet reliable and reminiscent of traditional homemade yellow cakes.

Can I substitute ingredients to make it healthier?

While you can swap ingredients like using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar, doing so may affect the texture and color that make this Classic Yellow Cake Recipe so beloved. If you want to experiment, try small changes and adjust baking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Absolutely! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just be sure to check doneness earlier, starting at around 15 minutes, since cupcakes bake faster than larger cake pans.

How should I frost this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even cream cheese frosting. Whichever you choose, make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting or sliding.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Converting this Classic Yellow Cake Recipe to gluten-free requires a suitable gluten-free flour blend and possibly some binding agents. Expect slight changes in texture, but with the right ingredients, you can achieve a delicious result.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about baking a Classic Yellow Cake Recipe from scratch — the comforting aroma, the perfect crumb, and the smile it brings to everyone’s face. Once you try making this cake, I promise it will become your go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or just because life deserves a little sweetness. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake some happiness into your day!

Classic Yellow Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need