Yellow Cake – Simple Easy Meals

Yellow cake’s light, fluffy texture and buttery sweetness pair beautifully with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, adding a tart balance. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes each bite more indulgent.

Whipped cream offers a light, airy sweetness, while rich chocolate ganache brings a decadent touch for a more luxurious treat. Fruit compote, such as berry or peach, adds brightness and a refreshing contrast.

With these perfect pairings in mind, let’s dive deeper into the delicious world of yellow cake!

What is Yellow Cake?

Yellow cake is a type of cake known for its rich, buttery flavor and a pleasing yellow hue, which comes from the eggs used in the batter. It’s often characterized by a moist crumb and is typically served as a layer cake with frosting.

 The beauty of yellow cake lies in its versatility; you can dress it up with elaborate frostings or keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

This cake has its roots in American baking and is similar to butter cake. It serves as an excellent base for various flavors and fillings, making it a favorite choice for many occasions, from weddings to casual get-togethers.

What is the Flavor Profile of Yellow Cake?

The flavor profile of yellow cake is warm and inviting. It boasts a buttery richness complemented by vanilla notes, likely enhanced by the use of real vanilla extract. The almond extract adds a subtle depth, which is not overwhelming but rather sophisticated.

When you take a bite, you experience a slight sweetness that isn’t cloying, followed by the delicate undertones of the vanilla and almond. In essence, it’s the kind of flavor that invites you to come back for another slice.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Yellow Cakes?

What sets this yellow cake recipe apart is its balance of ingredients and techniques.

1. Cultured Buttermilk: Using cultured buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a tender crumb.
2. Cornstarch: The addition of cornstarch helps create that light texture, separating this recipe from heavier alternatives.
3. Egg Yolks: The use of extra yolks provides richness and enhances the cake’s yellow hue.
4. Flavor Enhancements: Incorporating both vanilla and almond extracts enriches the flavor profile compared to more traditional recipes.

These choices create a result that’s both familiar and extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful yellow cake:

For the Cake:

1 cup cultured buttermilk

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 egg yolks, room temperature

2 ¼ cups plain all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornflour (cornstarch)

1 ¼ cups caster sugar

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 teaspoon lemon zest

¼ cup neutral vegetable oil

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

1 ¼ cups unsalted butter

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

⅓ cup semisweet chocolate, chopped or chips

1 pound (about 4 cups) powdered sugar

2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee

½ cup whole milk, divided

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, I always find it helpful to prepare my cake pans. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a light cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. 

This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Remember, this step is critical to create air pockets, which contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Now it’s time to add the eggs, egg yolks, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter-sugar mixture. 

Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a third of the dry mix, then half of the buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined. 

Be cautious not to overmix; you want a smooth batter without lumps.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Cake Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Give each pan a gentle jiggle to level the batter. This ensures even baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream

While the cakes cool, make the chocolate buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. 

Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Add the espresso and a dash of milk to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add more milk.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream on top. Then, add the second layer and frost the top and sides as desired.

Step 11: Serve

Slice and serve! Enjoy your yellow cake with a side of fresh berries or ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips On Making Yellow Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures better mixing and a fluffier cake.
  
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
  
• Correct Oven Temperature: Always preheat and use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  
• Test for Doneness: Oven times can vary. Always test with a toothpick before removing cakes.
  
• Cool Completely: Cooling your cakes completely helps avoid melted buttercream and a messy frosted cake.
  

How Can I Store This Yellow Cake?

To keep your yellow cake fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  
• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers with frosting, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
  
• Freezing: Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  

Ingredient Substitutes

If you find yourself missing an item, here are some substitute options:

• Cultured Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  
• Eggs: If you’re out of eggs, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 mashed banana per egg.
  
• Caster Sugar: No caster sugar? Use granulated sugar but blend it into a fine powder in a food processor.
  
• Unsalted Butter: If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt in your recipe by half.
  

Conclusion

Making a yellow cake is both an art and a simple pleasure. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers nostalgia and joy in each slice. This cake embodies a celebration of flavors. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat on a Wednesday, it’s sure to impress.

For those who are learning the art of baking or seasoned pros, this yellow cake recipe offers room for creativity. 

Add your twists, use different flavor combinations, or indulge in decadent frostings. Each time you bake, subtle differences make every cake unique.

Get your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful yellow cake adventure. Happy baking!

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