Classic Yellow Cake

A soft, buttery classic yellow cake with a tender crumb and simple ingredients, perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or an easy homemade dessert.

This classic yellow cake is rich, moist, and wonderfully tender, with a golden color and a delicate vanilla-butter flavor. It is a versatile dessert that works beautifully as a layer cake, sheet cake, or celebration cake for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate cup or bowl, combine the milk and vegetable oil.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.