Best Easy Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Classic yellow cake with rich chocolate frosting is the quintessential American birthday cake the whole family loves. This moist, tender cake with its nostalgic flavor combination is a celebration staple.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#vegetarian #celebration #birthday cake
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • baking powder 2.5 tsp
  • unsalted butter (softened) 0.75 cup
  • granulated sugar 2 cups
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • unsalted butter (for frosting) 0.75 cup
  • unsweetened cocoa powder 0.75 cup
  • powdered sugar 2 cups
  • whole milk (for frosting) 3 tbsp
  • vanilla extract (for frosting) 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 55%
Protein 5 g 6%
Fat 14 g 39%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

  4. 4

    On low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture—beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract briefly by hand.

  5. 5

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

  6. 6

    While cakes cool, prepare the chocolate frosting: In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa powder and powdered sugar, then mix on low until combined.

  7. 7

    Add milk and vanilla to the frosting, then beat on high until light, fluffy, and spreadable. If needed, adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk.

  8. 8

    Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous portion of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and coat the entire cake with remaining frosting.

  9. 9

    Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, and let the cake set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing for best texture and flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this yellow cake with chocolate frosting recipe?
The most essential ingredients for this cake are the combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and eggs for the classic yellow cake structure and rich, moist crumb. For the chocolate frosting, unsweetened cocoa powder is vital, delivering deep chocolate flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweet, buttery cake layers.
Q. What is the recommended baking time and how do I avoid overbaking the cake?
Bake the cake layers at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. To avoid overbaking, start checking with a toothpick at the 25-minute mark; remove the cakes from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Letting the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pan before unmolding prevents breakage and ensures the crumb sets properly.
Q. How can I achieve a moist and tender crumb in my yellow cake?
To ensure a moist, tender crumb, cream the butter and sugar thoroughly (3–4 minutes) until very fluffy before adding eggs individually. It's also important to alternate adding dry and wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, and to mix only until just combined to prevent overworking the batter.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving of this cake?
Each serving (110g) of this cake contains roughly 320 kcal, with about 44g carbohydrates (55% of calories), 14g fat (39%), and 5g protein (6%). The primary source of calories is carbohydrates from flour and sugar, balanced by a good amount of fat from butter.
AI 채팅 아이콘