Mama's Kitchen
Introduction: Yellow cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert that not only pleases the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavor. This classic cake is a perfect choice for various occasions, from birthdays to celebrations. Baking a yellow cake from scratch allows you to savor the authentic homemade goodness. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious yellow cake, complete with a table detailing each stage and the respective time durations.
Yellow Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix Until Just Combined:
- Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Divide Batter and Bake:
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops, and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Time Duration Table:
| Step | Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 10 minutes |
| Sift Dry Ingredients | 5 minutes |
| Cream Butter and Sugar | 8-10 minutes |
| Add Eggs and Vanilla | 5 minutes |
| Alternate Dry Ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Mix Until Just Combined | 3 minutes |
| Divide Batter and Bake | 25-30 minutes per pan |
| Cool and Frost | Variable |
FAQs:
Q: What gives the yellow color to the yellow cake? A: The yellow color is achieved through the use of egg yolks in the batter.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? A: While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with alternatives like cake flour for a lighter texture.
Q: What frosting pairs well with yellow cake? A: Classic choices include chocolate buttercream, vanilla buttercream, or cream cheese frosting.
Q: Can I make cupcakes instead of a traditional cake? A: Yes, you can adapt the recipe for cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes.
Now that you have the detailed guide, enjoy baking your delicious homemade yellow cake!