Name: Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups Cake Flour (for a tender crumb); 3.5 teaspoons Baking Powder (for leavening); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda (for balance); 0.75 teaspoon Salt (to enhance flavor); 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (at room temperature for the cake); 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (for sweetness); 3 whole Large Eggs (at room temperature); 2.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (for flavor); 1.33 cups Whole Milk (for moisture); 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (for acidity and flavor balance); 3.5 cups Confectioners' Sugar (sifted for a smooth frosting); 10 ounces Dark Chocolate (melted and cooled for the frosting); 3 sticks Unsalted Butter (for the frosting)

Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its soft, tender crumb and rich, luscious frosting. The balance of vanilla flavor and the deep notes of chocolate create a delightful harmony that makes every bite irresistible.

What makes this Classic Yellow Cake truly special is its simplicity. It’s made with straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a cake that rivals those from your favorite bakery. Let’s dive into the details of this recipe and get baking!

Why This Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting Stands Out

This Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting stands out for several reasons:

Flavor Profile: The cake is buttery and soft, complemented perfectly by the rich chocolate frosting.
Texture: The cake boasts a moist crumb that melts in your mouth, while the frosting is creamy and smooth.
Versatility: It’s suitable for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal events.
Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Classic Appeal: This cake brings nostalgia and a sense of comfort, reminding us of homemade treats from our childhood.

What to Buy

To create this delicious Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting, here’s what you’ll need:

Cake Flour: 2 and 1/2 cups for a tender crumb.
Baking Powder: 3 and 1/2 teaspoons for leavening.
Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon for balance.
Salt: 3/4 teaspoon to enhance flavor.
Unsalted Butter: 2 sticks (8 ounces) at room temperature for the cake and 3 sticks (12 ounces) for the frosting.
Granulated Sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups for sweetness.
Large Eggs: 3 whole eggs and 2 yolks, all at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: 2 and 1/2 teaspoons for flavor.
Whole Milk: 1 and 1/3 cups for moisture.
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon for acidity and flavor balance.
Confectioners’ Sugar: 3 and 1/2 cups, sifted for a smooth frosting.
Dark Chocolate: 10 ounces, melted and cooled for the frosting.

Before You Start: Equipment

Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment:

Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will make the process easier.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading frosting.
Baking Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans, greased and floured.
Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes after baking.
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate.

Directions: Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the 2 sticks of unsalted butter and 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the 3 large eggs and 2 egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 and 1/3 cups of whole milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, whip the 3 sticks of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the 3 and 1/2 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.

Step 9: Add Melted Chocolate

Pour in the melted and cooled 10 ounces of dark chocolate. Beat the mixture until smooth and fluffy, adjusting with more confectioners’ sugar if needed for consistency.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

Here are some tips for baking this Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting in different weather conditions:

Warm Weather: If it’s particularly hot, consider refrigerating the frosting for a few minutes to make it easier to spread.
Cool Weather: Ensure your butter is softened properly, as cooler temperatures can make it difficult to cream with sugar.
Humidity: In humid conditions, you may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.
Altitude: If you’re baking at a high altitude, you may need to reduce the sugar slightly and add a bit more liquid to the batter.

Testing Timeline

If you’re curious about how long this cake will hold up, here’s a useful timeline:

Room Temperature: The cake can be stored for up to 3 days, covered to prevent dryness.
Refrigerator: It lasts for about a week when stored in the fridge.
Freezer: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

If you want to make this Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting ahead of time, consider these freezer-friendly tips:

Unfrosted Cake: You can freeze the cooled, unfrosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Frosted Cake: It’s best to freeze the cake unfrosted, but if you must freeze it frosted, use a cake box or dome to protect it.
Thawing: To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly denser. For a lighter cake, you can also mix all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

What type of dark chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage of around 60-70% for a rich flavor. Avoid chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that can affect melting.

How do I store the cake after baking?

Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate or freeze it.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Frost just before serving for the best taste and texture.

More from the Kitchen

If you loved making this Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting, you might also enjoy these recipes:

Final Thoughts

Baking a Classic Yellow Cake with Creamy Chocolate Frosting is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about bringing joy and comfort to your loved ones. The soft, buttery cake paired with rich chocolate frosting is a timeless combination that never goes out of style. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to make your day a little brighter. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your masterpiece! Happy baking!