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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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.

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