Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Moist & buttery yellow cake recipe from scratch! A true classic with chocolate buttercream, this easy recipe is made from basic pantry staples.
*This post originally published on June 12, 2014. I thought it was due for an update. So the photos you see here now are new and improved, and I’ve added a step-by-step picture tutorial and answers to some frequently asked questions. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this yellow cake recipe as much as my family and I do.*
Today I’m sharing a true classic: yellow cake with chocolate frosting!
I bet at some point in your life you’ve had something like this for a birthday cake, and I have no doubt it was devoured. And enjoyed immensely.
It’s one of the most iconic of all layer cakes, and it’s definitely one of my top favorites! Along with chocolate cake, marble cake, and red velvet cake, of course!
And I think you are going to love it too. The cake is moist and downy, with a fine, delicate crumb and a buttery vanilla flavor that will make you swoon. The easy chocolate frosting is the perfect fudgy compliment.
The recipe is so simple to make, in just one bowl, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. You can make it as a tall layer cake like you see here, as a 9×13 sheet cake, or even as cupcakes.
This yellow cake recipe will surely become a favorite for you and the ones you love!
WHAT FLAVOR IS YELLOW CAKE?
The most predominant flavor in this cake is vanilla. It’s got a very fragrant, aromatic vanilla taste, with a buttery back note and an indulgent richness from the egg yolks.
A cake like this would be a perfect base for all sorts of fillings and frostings (more on that below), but I especially love it with chocolate frosting. It’s a classic combination and the simplicity of the yellow cake plays beautifully against the rich, bittersweet taste of chocolate.
INGREDIENTS FOR YELLOW CAKE FROM SCRATCH
It only takes a handful of basic ingredients to make this yellow cake recipe, and everything happens in just one bowl!
Here is what you’ll need:
- Cake Flour
- All-Purpose Flour
- Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Sour Cream
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
FLOUR
I like to use a combination of cake flour and all-purpose flour for this recipe. The cake flour yields an incredibly soft, delicate texture, and the all-purpose flour provides a little more structure.
You can read more about cake flour here: Why Use Cake Flour?
SALT
I use kosher salt for almost all my baking because there are no additives (so the flavor is pure), and also because it’s a very inexpensive product to buy.
If you’d prefer to use another type of salt, just google “kosher salt to [your preferred type of salt] conversion” to find out how much more or less of it you should use for this recipe.
BUTTER
The butter should be softened before it goes into the mixing bowl. You want it soft enough to squish if you press on it firmly, but not so soft that it’s melting.
I usually soften butter in my microwave. Every machine is different but for mine, 10 seconds on 30% power, then flip it over, and 10 seconds more on 30% is perfect.
Be sure to use unsalted butter when you make this recipe- that way you can control the amount of salt in your final result. I’d love to be able to tell you how much salt to cut back to if you want to use regular, salted butter instead, but the fact is, different brands use different amounts of salt in their product, so it’s really inconsistent and impossible for me to say.
SOUR CREAM
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or regular plain yogurt, or buttermilk.
Or you could sour your own milk by stirring 2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice into 2/3 cup of regular milk. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes, or until thickened and slightly curdled.
Just be aware that while using any of these substitutes will work, I much prefer the result you get with sour cream. It gives the richest flavor and the nicest texture, so if you can get your hands on it, I really think it’s the best way to go.
MILK
Use whatever kind of milk you typically have on hand. For the cake you see here, I used 2%, but anything will work, even plant-based milk.
But keep in mind that a higher-fat milk product will produce a richer tasting result.
HOW TO MAKE YELLOW CAKE FROM SCRATCH
This recipe utilizes the reverse creaming method, which really makes it easy, and practically foolproof. To learn more about this method, click here: Reverse Creaming Method for Cakes.
Start by placing all the dry ingredients (both kinds of flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a big bowl.
Give them a quick whisk, just to get them combined, then add the softened butter.
Mix the butter in until the mixture resembles damp sand, then add the eggs.
Once these are mixed in, you’ll have what looks a lot like stiff cookie dough. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula, then stir in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla.
When the liquid ingredients are all incorporated, give the bowl one more scrape with the spatula, then turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat it for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will smooth out any lumps, aerate the batter, and build the cake’s structure.
Transfer the batter to your greased and lined cake pans, then pop into the oven to bake!
No two ovens are exactly alike. You’ll know your cake is done baking when it looks golden brown around the edges, feels springy to the touch, and when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
WHAT KIND OF FROSTING TO USE
For what you see in these pics, I used my favorite easy chocolate frosting. I’ve included the recipe in the recipe card below, but you can find lots more info on how to make it here: Easy Chocolate Frosting.
Some other great options would include my all-time favorite: Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream. This frosting recipe will really blow you away- it’s so silky smooth and rich.
Or a simple whipped ganache would be incredible: Whipped Chocolate Ganache. This option will give you the deepest, darkest chocolate flavor.
You could also do a chocolate (or vanilla) whipped cream frosting. There are instructions for how to make both here: Whipped Cream Frosting.
Or choose any of these non-chocolate options:
CAN THIS BE MADE IN A DIFFERENT SIZED PAN?
For what you see here, I baked this yellow cake recipe in three 8-inch diameter round pans. I really love the look of a tall cake!
But you could also make it in three 6-inch pans or two 9-inch pans. Your layers might just be slightly thicker or thinner, depending.
This can also be made in a 9×13 rectangular pan, or as cupcakes. You should get 24 standard sized cupcakes from one batch.
Whichever size pan you choose, be aware that the bake time may need to be adjusted. You’ll know your cake is done baking when it looks golden brown around the edges, feels springy to the touch, and when a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean.
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
I actually prefer to make my layer cakes ahead. The cake needs a good bit of time to cool completely, and I find it much easier to frost after it’s been chilled.
After the cake layers come out of the oven, allow them to cool completely, remove them from their pans, and then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Chill them in the fridge or freezer for a few hours (or up to several days) before filling and frosting.
A frosted cake will keep in the fridge for several more days. The frosting almost “seals” it and prevents it from becoming dry or stale.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
Once the cake has been cut, keep it covered to prevent the cut side from drying out. It will keep at room temperature for a few days.
After that, it’s probably best to keep it in the fridge. It should last there for a week or two.
CAN YOU FREEZE IT?
This cake will freeze beautifully.
Wrap it tightly so that it doesn’t pick up any funky freezer odors, and thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
A FEW MORE OF MY FAVORITE LAYER CAKE RECIPES:
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Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
For the Yellow Cake Layers:
- 1 1/2 cups (187.5 g) cake flour
- 3/4 cup (93.75 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (236.59 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (4.93 g) baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 g) baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 g) kosher salt
- 3/4 cup (170.25 g) unsalted butter, (1 1/2 sticks), softened
- 2 (88 g) eggs, (large)
- 1 (18 g) egg yolk, (large)
- 2/3 cup (153.33 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (122 g) milk
- 2 teaspoons (9.86 g) vanilla extract
For the Easy Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, (2 sticks), softened
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.46 g) kosher salt
- 3/4 cup (64.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (59.5 g) heavy whipping cream, (approximately)
- 1 teaspoon (4.93 g) vanilla extract
Instructions
To Make the Yellow Cake Layers:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, mist three 6-inch cake pans* with non-stick spray, and line them with circles cut from parchment paper.
- Place the cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer, and stir on low speed to combine.
- Add the butter, mixing on medium-low speed until the mixture resembles damp sand (about 1 minute).
- Mix in the eggs and the additional yolk until fully incorporated.
- Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula, then add the sour cream, milk, and vanilla.
- Mix on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, to aerate the batter and build the cake's structure.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans, and bake until the edges are golden brown, the cake feels springy when pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the thickest partcomes out clean (approximately 35 to 45 minutes).
- Cool completely before filling and frosting.
To Make the Easy Chocolate Frosting:
- Place the butter, salt, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl, and add about 1/3 of the powdered sugar.
- With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until combined.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar (in 2 more additions), beating until combined.
- Stir in the cream** and vanilla, then turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and whip the frosting until light and fluffy.
Addendum to my previous question concerning cake that did not rise .
I used three 8” cake pans.
Previously made this cake and it was great. Help! Just made again ,using all fresh ingredients, carefully measuring , followed directions exactly. Only change was… I could not find the King Arthur cake flour and used Swans Down. Used King Arthur( plain ) for the regular flour. Each layer looks like a pancake, barely rising any. Any suggestions as to what went wrong because this was my “go to” recipe for a yellow cake. Thank you kindly for any help.
can you substitute oil for the butter? if so, what would be the measurements, and what would be the effect it had on the cake’s outcome?
i was also wondering if you make an oil based cake, would you still need to add cake flour, because the oil already makes the cake moist.
thanks!
If you prefer an oil-based cake, try this recipe: https://bakingamoment.com/white-almond-sour-cream-cake/. Good luck!
Hi Alley,
Thanks for all your recipes. I have a couple of questions for you.
1) When you bake layered cakes in 6 or 8 inches pans. The cakes always come out with a rounded top (like a muffin top). How do you make it straight to layer it?
2) For the Yellow cake with Chocolate Frosting recipe you have advised to remove the cakes from their pans and then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. At this point the cakes are warm or absolutely cold? Please clarify.
Thanks a lot, lots of blessings to you.
Hi there! I will do my best to answer your questions:
1) I typically bake my cake layers at a lower temperature (325 degrees F), for a little longer. This prevents the big hump in the middle. If you’re still getting a very rounded top, your oven could be running a little hot. You could compensate for that by setting it about 25 degrees lower and extending the bake time as needed. Or, you could just use a serrated bread knife to cut the rounded part away and create a flatter surface.
2) You should allow the cakes to cool completely before wrapping them. Under the heading “Can this be made ahead” it reads: “After the cake layers come out of the oven, allow them to cool completely, remove them from their pans, and then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.”
Hope this is helpful!
I must comment on the “birthday cake” I just made for my grandson’s birthday. Honestly, it was the best I have ever made. The cake was tender and moist and the icing divine. You inspired me to order “Brown Betty “ cookbook and it is on the way. Thank you for responding to my question about refrigerating this cake. I think I have solved my problem as to why my comments were not going through. I was using an automatic email entry before and this time when I typed in the email address , you responded. Love… love your website. Just wish I could take baking classes from you.
That is so nice to hear Jennie! Thank you so much for the great feedback and I hope you enjoy the book!
I am new to your site and look forward to using many of your beautiful recipes. For my grandson’s birthday, I am going to bake the classic yellow cake with chocolate icing. Does this cake have to be refrigerated since the icing has cream cheese in it? Thank you for responding.
It’s fine to leave the cake out at room temperature for a few hours. Good luck and I hope you and your grandson enjoy!
My fiance loves, loves, loves yellow cake and chocolate icing. I will definitely be making this for his birthday this year! Looks beautiful and I know will be delicious 🙂
Oh, yay! I hope you both enjoy! What a lucky guy your fiance is!
Allie,
This cake looks stunning, I wanted to thank you finding your blog with your wonderful and talented creations has definitely inspired me to go back into baking and this recipe will definitely be the first of yours I try!
Thanks,
Miguel
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that, Miguel! Thank you so much for the sweet compliments and I hope you enjoy creating in your kitchen! 😀
Hi, looks like a wonderful cake!
Unfortunately, cake flour is not sold where I reside presently, do you think the cake would work if I used all All- purpose flour? Would it taste the same, be different, and how?
RSVP thank you.
Hey Kris! Go ahead and try it with all-purpose flour, I don’t think the difference will be all that noticeable. Cake flour is milled from a harder wheat that is a bit less glutinous, so it makes for a lighter texture and a finer crumb. But I’m sure the cake will still be very tasty with regular flour. I hope you enjoy! And I’d love it if you’d stop back and let me know how it all works out for you.
Thank you so much for the quick reply! I definitely will try it in the future and let you know how it goes!
Good luck!
Quick question – do you know how many cupcakes this recipe makes?
Otherwise, looks great!
Thanks,
Rachel
Hi Rachel! The cupcake recipe is linked within the post. Here it is again in case you missed it: https://bakingamoment.com/even-simpler-more-perfect-vanilla-cupcakes/. Just sub the yogurt and milk out for buttermilk, as noted. Thanks for reading!
Oh Allie this cake is my favorite classic (don’t be surprised if you see a similar one on my blog). I grew up with yellow cake and fudge frosting, from the box though. lol.
Well, here’s to you on your first year… Cheers! I can see many big things happening for you in the near future. PS: thank you so much for including me in your giveaway. So glad to be able to call us friends 🙂 Love ya girl!
You too Connie! And it’s totally my favorite too- for the same reason! When I think of birthday cake this is what comes to my mind. Looking forward to seeing your version on URBAN BAKES, and thank you so much for helping me to celebrate!
Allie, I’m so late, but it’s never too late to wish a very happy blogiversary to a friend! Blogland is so very lucky to have such a sweet and talented lady and I’m so happy that we met through our blogs. The cake looks stunning, as always! Thanks for the giveaway and all my best wishes for many more years of blogging sweetness and friendship. <3
Thank you so much, Cindy, and don’t feel bad because I am also late in my reply! You are such a sweet friend and I’m so glad we have connected through blogging. Thanks again for the warm wishes! xoxo
This cake looks divine! And it’s styled beautifully.
Thank you so much, Cassandra! I didn’t have to do much, lol, chocolate and sprinkles speak for themselves 😉
Congratulations on your first year of blogging, Allie! (We have almost the same blogiversary! 😉 ) I had no idea that you’ve only been blogging for a year…all of your recipes/photos/posts are AMAZING. And I totally get what you mean about pouring your whole heart into this little endeavor…it’s rather addictive, isn’t it? 😉 Here’s to many more fun years ahead…congrats again!
Yes! I saw your big celebration a couple of weeks ago! Happy Anniversary to you as well, Samantha! And thank you so much for the sweet comment <3
Everything about this cake just speaks to me! Especially that luscious frosting! Congratulations on your blogiversary Allie, I am SO happy for you. Keep up the AMAZING work! You’re an inspiration 🙂
And so are you, Meriem! Thank you so much for the sweet comment, and for being such a supportive friend <3