Print

Classic Comforting Yellow Birthday Cake Recipe with Easy Chocolate Frosting

classic comforting yellow birthday cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A reliable and crowd-pleasing yellow cake with a tender crumb paired with a smooth, homemade chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any day you want a comforting slice of cake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a mixer bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cakes should be golden and springy to touch.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, beating on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
  11. Use an offset spatula for smooth edges or a rustic look, depending on preference.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar before mixing frosting to avoid lumps. For extra moist cake, brush layers with warm milk before frosting. Can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: yellow cake, birthday cake, chocolate frosting, classic cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, buttercream frosting

Find it online: https://evabake.com/classic-comforting-yellow-birthday-cake-recipe-with-easy-chocolate-frosting/