Description
Discover the ultimate Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting recipe that’s moist, rich, and perfect for every celebration. This delightful dessert features a tender, buttery yellow cake paired with smooth, creamy chocolate frosting, creating a mouthwatering combination ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Yellow Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Gather all your ingredients, allowing the butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature to ensure the batter mixes evenly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your cake rises properly and has an even texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air to help the cake rise and creates a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract for that classic, sweet aroma.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients and whole milk in alternating batches, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix on low speed just until combined; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Chocolate Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in heavy cream and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble and Frost: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting evenly on the top of one layer, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures your batter combines smoothly and bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until ingredients are combined keeps your cake light and tender.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich cocoa elevates the chocolate frosting to a truly indulgent level.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cake melts frosting, so patience is key for neat layers.
- Store Properly: Keep the cake covered to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: yellow cake, chocolate frosting, birthday cake, celebration cake, moist cake, creamy frosting