Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Frosting

A tender, moist yellow layer cake with rich frosting — a timeless dessert for celebrations and everyday occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic cake delivers a soft crumb and balanced sweetness. Whether served at a birthday party or a casual dinner, its familiar flavour and creamy frosting make it a beloved favourite.

ingredients

all‑purpose flour
granulated sugar
baking powder
salt
butter
eggs
vanilla extract
milk
frosting (buttercream or chocolate ganache)
sprinkles (optional)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare two 8‑inch cake pans.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk.
5. Divide batter between pans and bake until a tester is clean.
6. Cool completely, frost, and decorate.

Servings and timing

Serves: 10–12
Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 25–30 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Variations

• Add lemon zest for citrus flavour.
• Use cream cheese frosting for tangy richness.
• Add fresh berries between layers.

storage/reheating

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Why did my cake sink?

Over‑mixing or sudden temperature changes can cause sinking.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes, use a gluten‑free flour blend.

How do I get flat layers?

Trim domes or use bake‑even strips.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze wrapped up to 1 month.

What frosting pairs best?

Classic buttercream or chocolate ganache.

Can I reduce sugar?

Slight reductions are possible but may affect texture.

Should eggs be room temperature?

Yes, for even mixing.

Can I add food colouring?

Yes, for a fun presentation.

Why is my cake dry?

Do not overbake; check a few minutes early.

What’s the best drink pairing?

Coffee or milk enhances the experience.

Conclusion

Classic yellow layer cake with frosting is a versatile, crowd‑pleasing dessert that suits every occasion.

Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Frosting

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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.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. 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 into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. 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.
10. 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