Celebrations call for something special, and this Yellow Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the perfect centerpiece for any joyous occasion. Soft, buttery layers of yellow cake meet a rich, creamy chocolate frosting, creating a delightful contrast that everyone will love. The aroma of freshly baked cake filling your home is sure to make your mouth water in anticipation. This cake is not only visually appealing, with its sunny yellow exterior, but it also brings a wonderful taste and texture balance that makes each bite absolutely divine. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a light texture for the cake.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a lovely creaminess.
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its warm notes.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 4 large eggs: Provides structure and richness, contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the frosting a deep chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy consistency for the frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and airy.

5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until smooth.

9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and creamy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

10. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the two layers, then frost the top and sides.

11. Slice, serve, and enjoy your celebration!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 400 per slice

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Make the Cake Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding almond extract to the batter for a unique twist or swapping the cocoa powder with flavored extracts like hazelnut or orange zest for the frosting.

FAQ

1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour for a lighter and more tender cake.

2. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.

4. How do I achieve a smooth frosting?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix the frosting until it is fluffy and creamy.

5. Can I add sprinkles to the frosting?
Absolutely! Adding sprinkles will make the cake even more festive and appealing.

6. What can I do if my frosting is too thick?
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream and mix until you reach the desired consistency.

People Also Ask

1. What is the best way to store a birthday cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
Yes, feel free to use vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting as a delicious alternative.

3. How should I decorate a birthday cake?
Consider adding fruit, edible flowers, or colorful candies for an extra festive look.

4. What is the difference between buttercream and whipped frosting?
Buttercream is denser and richer, while whipped frosting is lighter and airier.

5. Can I omit the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes, such as applesauce or flaxseed meal, for a vegan option.

6. How long can I leave a frosted cake out?
A frosted cake can be safely left out for up to two days, depending on the ingredients used in the frosting.

Conclusion

This Yellow Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting is sure to become a classic in your baking repertoire. It is perfect for any celebratory occasion, bringing joy and sweetness to your table. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at your next gathering and share your delightful creation with friends and family. Happy baking!

Yellow Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting

A delightful and festive Yellow Birthday Cake layered with rich chocolate frosting, perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and a light texture for the cake.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened Contributes richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup milk Keeps the cake moist and adds a lovely creaminess.
• 3.5 teaspoons baking powder Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile with its warm notes.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 4 large eggs Provides structure and richness, contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture.

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Gives the frosting a deep chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a creamy consistency for the frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• 0.5 cup heavy cream Adds richness and helps to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses the frosting with a sweet, aromatic flavor.

See also  Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

1. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and creamy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembly

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the two layers, then frost the top and sides.
2. Slice, serve, and enjoy your celebration!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30g

Notes

Make the Cake Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. You can freeze the cake layers before frosting.

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