Southern Living Basic Yellow Cake Recipe or Chocolate
Indulge in the timeless charm of the *Southern Living Basic Yellow Cake Recipe or Chocolate*, a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion. This classic yellow cake boasts a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor, achieved through a simple combination of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Adaptable to both vanilla and chocolate cravings, the recipe features a luscious homemade chocolate frosting infused with cocoa powder and velvety butter for the ultimate decadent finish. With just 20 minutes of prep and straightforward steps, this cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or as a comforting treat. Serve up to 12 slices of pure nostalgia, and savor every bite of this iconic Southern favorite that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, for frosting
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting
- 0.25 cup whole milk, for frosting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and the granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry mixture and the 1 cup of milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
To make the chocolate frosting, beat 1 cup of softened butter and the cocoa powder in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the 1/4 cup of milk and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating the mixture until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Slice and serve. Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7742 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 345.8 g | 443% | |
| Saturated Fat | 208.8 g | 1044% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1554 mg | 518% | |
| Sodium | 2748 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1184.2 g | 431% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 72.4 g | 259% | |
| Total Sugars | 831.5 g | ||
| Protein | 103.7 g | 207% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.4 mcg | 52% | |
| Calcium | 817 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 46.8 mg | 260% | |
| Potassium | 3860 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
