If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that feels like a warm hug and tastes like sunshine, then you’re going to love this Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser with a moist, tender crumb and just the right balance of buttery sweetness and vanilla goodness. Whether it’s for a special celebration or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake delivers that nostalgic, homemade charm that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is simple, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color that make this cake so irresistible. From the rich butter to the tangy yogurt, these essentials come together to create a cake that’s truly next-level.
- 2 cups of flour: The foundation that gives structure to your cake, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar: Sweetness that balances the batter with a delicate caramel note when baked.
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder: Your leavening agent for that perfect rise and airy crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making your cake taste more vibrant.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 1 cup of milk (or heavy cream, half and half, soy milk, or what you have): Adds moisture, making the cake tender and luscious.
- 1 5 oz. jar of Oui Honey Yogurt (or 1/3 cup sour cream): Introduces a subtle tang and creates a beautifully soft texture.
- 1 cup melted butter: The heart of the flavor, incorporating deep buttery notes throughout the cake.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and enhances every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups softened butter (for frosting): Essential for that creamy, rich frosting experience.
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweet and smooth, perfect for the silky frosting texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring gel (or pink): Adds a charming pop of color to the frosting, making the cake visually irresistible.
How to Make Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and come out perfectly clean and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is key because it aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking powder and salt, which helps the cake rise beautifully and develop its tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the milk, yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing the wet ingredients well before combining with the dry ensures a smooth batter without overmixing later on.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cake might turn out dense instead of fluffy. The batter should be smooth but slightly thick.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, to create a creamy, spreadable frosting. Stir in vanilla and a drop of red or pink food coloring to get that inviting blush color that makes your cake so inviting.
Step 7: Assemble
Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on the first layer, then place the second cake on top. Finish with the remaining frosting, smoothing it over the top and sides. Your Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe is now ready to shine!
How to Serve Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates your Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe to a showstopper. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of edible flowers, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and subtle extra flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic combo. If you want a fresh contrast, serve alongside a citrus fruit salad that cuts through the cake’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking three thinner layers instead of two for a taller, more dramatic cake. You can also pipe elegant swirls or rosettes on the frosting for a bakery-quality finish. For a fun twist, serve individual mini cakes or cupcakes using this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh. Avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe later, you can freeze the uniced cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, serve the cake at room temperature. If your cake feels a little cool or firm after chilling, let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes before slicing or enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Oui Honey Yogurt for its sweetness and texture, plain Greek or regular yogurt works just as well. Sour cream is also a fantastic substitute if you prefer a little tang.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
No worries at all! The red or pink gel is just for a lovely frosting tint, so if you don’t have any, just leave it out or use a natural juice like beet or raspberry juice for gentle color.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it already contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Use the classic toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep an eye close after 25 minutes.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Definitely! This Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe scales well for larger gatherings. Just make sure to use two pans for even baking and watch the baking time closely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking your own cake from scratch, and this Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe brings that magic straight to your kitchen. It’s simple enough to make anytime but elegant enough to impress. I promise once you try it, this favorite will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready for some delicious, buttery bliss!
Print
Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Yellow Cake recipe delivers a classic, moist, and tender cake with a rich buttery vanilla flavor. Perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, this cake features a creamy honey yogurt base and soft frosting with a hint of warm vanilla and a touch of red or pink food coloring for a subtle, charming hue.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (can substitute with heavy cream, half and half, or soy milk)
- 1 5 oz. jar Oui Honey Yogurt (or 1/3 cup sour cream if unavailable)
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 5 – 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring gel (or pink if red is not available)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and smooth batter texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the milk, honey yogurt, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add red (or pink) food coloring gel and mix well to achieve the desired hue.
- Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- If you don’t have honey yogurt, sour cream works as an excellent substitute for moisture and tang.
- Milk alternatives like soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk can be used depending on dietary preferences.
- The red food coloring is optional and can be replaced with pink or omitted if not desired.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best batter consistency and cake texture.
