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Yellow Cake

Yellow Cake - Simple Easy Meals

If you’ve ever bitten into a slice of yellow cake and felt that warm rush of nostalgia, you know it’s a special dessert. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. 
Whether it's a birthday celebration or a simple Tuesday night, yellow cake always hits the spot.
I still remember the first time I baked one. My kitchen was a flurry of activity, flour dusting the countertops and my enthusiasm bubbling over. 
As the cake baked in the oven, an irresistible scent filled the air. It was a lesson in patience, but the moment I took that first slice, I understood why yellow cake is a staple in so many homes—it’s comforting, simple, and utterly delicious.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 674
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 1 cup cultured buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 1/4 cups plain all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornflour cornstarch
  • 1 1/4 cups caster sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chopped or chips
  • 1 pound powdered sugar about 4 cups
  • 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, divided

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.
tep 10: Assemble the Cake
  1. 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
  1. Slice and serve! Enjoy your yellow cake with a side of fresh berries or ice cream for an extra treat.

Notes

  • 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.