When it comes to indulgent treats, few things beat a moist and flavorful yellow cake. The classic combination of buttery goodness, sweetness, and subtle tanginess is a winner in our books. Whether you’re a fan of rich and creamy frostings or light and airy toppings, we’ve got 18 mouthwatering yellow cake recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From classic vanilla and lemon glazed delights to creative twists like coconut infused and strawberry shortcake inspired treats, these decadent desserts are the perfect way to cap off a special occasion or simply brighten up your day. So go ahead, get baking, and let us guide you through this yellow brick road of cakey goodness!
Classic Vanilla Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
This beloved combination of moist vanilla cake and rich chocolate frosting is a timeless treat that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (400g) confectioners’ sugar
– 2 ounces (60g) high-quality dark chocolate chips or chopped bar, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. To make frosting, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar together until smooth. Melt chocolate; let it cool slightly. Fold melted chocolate into butter mixture.
8. Assemble cake by spreading frosting on top of one cooled cake layer, then place second layer on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes for cakes
Lemon Glazed Yellow Cake with Fresh Berries
Brighten up your day with this moist and tangy lemon cake, topped with a zesty glaze and fresh berries. A perfect treat for any time of the year!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and lemon juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool completely before glazing.
8. For the glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
9. Serve with fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Coconut Infused Yellow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your cake game with this moist and creamy treat, infused with the subtle flavor of coconut and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons grated fresh coconut (optional)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Spread or pipe frosting over cooled cake.
Strawberry Shortcake Yellow Cake Layered Delight
A classic dessert gets a sweet twist with layers of moist yellow cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, and butter until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
7. In a large bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
8. To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with whipped cream, and top with sliced strawberries. Repeat two more times, finishing with a layer of cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rich Buttermilk Yellow Cake with Caramel Drizzle
Moist and flavorful, this yellow cake is elevated by a sweet and sticky caramel drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– Caramel drizzle (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Caramel Drizzle:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel turns golden brown.
Orange Zest Yellow Cake with Whipped Cream Topping
Brighten up your day with this vibrant and moist cake, infused with the warmth of orange zest and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and whisk until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by orange juice and zest.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool before topping with whipped cream.
Whipped Cream Topping:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Beat cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
Pineapple Upside-Down Yellow Cake with Maraschino Cherries
A classic dessert gets a boost from sweet and tangy maraschino cherries, creating a delightful twist on the traditional pineapple upside-down cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
– Maraschino cherries, drained and halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and butter until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla extract.
4. Arrange pineapple rings on the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour batter over pineapple, spreading evenly.
6. Place halved maraschino cherries on top of cake.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Swirl Yellow Cake with Lemon Icing
Brighten up your day with this sweet and tangy dessert, featuring a moist yellow cake swirled with juicy blueberries and topped with a zesty lemon icing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– Lemon icing (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and whisk until combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Lemon Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and spread over cooled cake.
Chocolate Chip Studded Yellow Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
This moist yellow cake is elevated by the addition of dark chocolate chips, providing a delightful contrast to the bright, sunny flavor of the vanilla bean frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
3. Add baking powder and salt; whisk until combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before frosting with vanilla bean frosting.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Almond Crunch Yellow Cake with Honey Glaze
Celebrate the sweetness of life with this delightful cake, featuring toasted almonds and a drizzle of golden honey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
– Honey glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool before drizzling with Honey Glaze (see below).
Honey Glaze:
– 1 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
Whisk together honey and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Raspberry Filled Yellow Cake with White Chocolate Ganache
Raspberry Filled Yellow Cake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe Summary:
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful yellow cake filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, topped with a rich white chocolate ganache.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– Raspberry filling (homemade or store-bought)
– White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Fill cooled cake layers with raspberry filling.
8. Melt white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Pour over filled cake layers.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Banana Pudding Yellow Cake with Vanilla Wafers
Get ready for a sweet and indulgent treat that combines the warmth of banana pudding with the comfort of yellow cake and crispy vanilla wafers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Vanilla wafers (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before serving with vanilla wafers.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Tiramisu Inspired Yellow Cake with Coffee Soaked Layers
Elevate your cake game with this creative take on the classic Italian dessert. Moist yellow cake layers infused with coffee flavor, topped with a creamy mascarpone cheese mixture, and finished with cocoa powder for a rich finish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly brewed coffee
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and coffee.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with mascarpone cheese mixture and cocoa powder.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Peanut Butter Frosted Yellow Cake with Chocolate Shavings
This moist and flavorful cake is elevated to a whole new level with the creamy peanut butter frosting and rich chocolate shavings. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert will surely impress!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Peanut butter frosting (recipe below)
– Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and whisk until combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. Spread peanut butter frosting on top of cooled cakes. If desired, sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Peanut Butter Frosting:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
Spiced Chai Yellow Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Savor the warm spices of chai tea in this moist and flavorful yellow cake, paired with a tangy and sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup chai tea-infused milk (or regular milk with added chai spice)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and chai tea-infused milk.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with cream cheese mixture (whisk together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon) spread on top.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (including cooling time)
Red Velvet Marbled Yellow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This show-stopping cake combines the classic flavors of red velvet and yellow cake, swirled together with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon yellow food coloring
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with red and yellow food coloring, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and mix until combined.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of frosting on top of one cooled cake, then place the second cake on top.
Carrot Cake Fusion Yellow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake combines the best of carrot cake and yellow cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Toasted Coconut Yellow Cake with Pineapple Filling
This Toasted Coconut Yellow Cake with Pineapple Filling is a sweet and tangy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy texture, toasted coconut flakes, and creamy pineapple filling, this cake is sure to brighten up anyone’s day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
– Pineapple Filling (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool before filling with Pineapple Filling.
Pineapple Filling:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Use to fill the cooled cake layers.
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 decadent yellow cake recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From classic vanilla with chocolate frosting to innovative flavors like strawberry shortcake and tiramisu-inspired, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a moist and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece, these yellow cake recipes are sure to impress.
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